David Beckham makes Lionel Messi Inter Miami’s ‘gift to America and MLS’ as eight-time Ballon d’Or winner ‘changes the game’

Beckham once did likewise when making his own move to the United States. The Manchester United and England legend linked up with the LA Galaxy when leaving Real Madrid in 2007. Part of that deal allowed the ex-Three Lions captain to build his own expansion franchise.

That project has been pieced together in Florida, with Messi now the star attraction at DRV PNK Stadium. Beckham spent 10 years putting a stunning coup in place, with the Argentine superstar having helped to raise the profile of U.S. soccer as more household names and a new audience are attracted to the game.

Beckham has told AFP of pulling off a remarkable transfer agreement: "It's still hard to believe that when someone turns around to me and says Inter Miami have Lionel Messi in their team, you know. It's a very proud thing for me to have as an owner, to have a player like that, the best player in the world, in our team.

“We always knew that bringing Leo to America, not just to Miami, it was our gift to America and MLS. Because someone like that changes the game. You know, someone like that inspires another generation of soccer players. And that's why we wanted to bring Leo to the team. Of course, we want to win championships. Of course, we want to be the best team in the league. But one of the reasons why we bought him was to also inspire the next generation of soccer players in America. To want to be soccer players. So bringing him does that and it's an important thing for us.”

Messi made an immediate impact in the States, as he inspired a historic Leagues Cup triumph for Inter Miami within weeks of his arrival, and is said to be looking to “win everything” in 2024 despite already being the most decorated player in history.