'Building our Galacticos' - David Beckham & Inter Miami reveal transfer plan as MLS outfit follow Real Madrid model in pursuit of next Lionel Messi

Manchester United and England legend Beckham, as part of the deal that he signed with the LA Galaxy during his playing days, helped to launch Inter Miami as another expansion franchise in 2020. They have come a long way in the space of five short years.

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Acquiring eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Messi in 2023 helped to accelerate their progress, with a historic Leagues Cup title claimed within weeks of the Argentine’s arrival in the United States. The Herons went on to rewrite the record books last season when savouring Supporters’ Shield success.

Messi remains part of their project for now, with there an extension option in his contract for 2026, but long-term plans are being drawn up in Florida. Beckham has told the new Apple TV+ docuseries ‘Onside: Major League Soccer’: "You know, my dream was always to bring the best players to Miami. It's not just about bringing the best player there ever was (Messi). We've brought in four superstars in our team.

"Our vision, we wanted to create one of the biggest clubs in the world - and I just think it's good for the sport, I think it's good for the club, I think it's great for the league. It's a tough league. And it's a tough league to win a championship but as an owner of Miami, we want to win - it's simple as that."

Beckham went on to say: "Yes, we've got great players here at the moment in Leo, Sergio, Jordi and Luis. But we have to always look forward. We also have to have conversations about 'OK, where do we go next. What do we do next? Who do we bring in?' And I think this is a league that really needs stars."

That vision is shared by Inter Miami partner Jorge Mas, who added on the Herons’ ambitious recruitment goals: "My first meeting with David, we shared a vision that we just don't want to be another Major League Soccer club. More important to both of us, is that it'd be a global team.

"We're building our Galacticos. We always want to have players to attract global attention. I'd like to think that if we're able to seize the moment, we will be successful and people will always look at this and say, 'Hey the guys at Inter Miami changed Major League Soccer to be one of the best leagues in the world.' But to be able to achieve this, it's about winning."

Inter Miami emerged victorious in their first competitive outing of 2025, as Messi netted the winner in a CONCACAF Champions Cup clash with Sporting KC that was played in freezing weather conditions. They will open their new MLS campaign at home to New York City FC on Saturday.