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David Beckham Lionel Messi-Image credit: Imago
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David Beckham Lionel Messi-Image credit: Imago
One of the biggest stories from last week in the sporting world was Inter Miami unveiling Lionel Messi as their latest signing. From fans to celebrities to media houses, everyone was buzzing with excitement. Post the successful presentation ceremony, David Beckham came out to the press and made a truly ambitious claim.
The former Machester United claimed that nearly half the world tuned in to watch Messi’s presentation. As expected, ever since the statement has come out, fans have taken to social media to express confusion over this statement.
“There is absolutely zero chance” – Fans struggle to believe David Beckham’s claim
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There is no denying that Lionel Messi is the biggest athlete in the world. But believing a claim of 3.5 billion viewers tuning in for Leo’s presentation is hard to digest. Firstly, 3.5 billion viewers mean that more than half the world watched the presentation which is not possible due to three reasons –
- These many people aren’t interested in football.
- The Coverage and Time zone difference makes it harder to record such viewership.
- The FIFA World Cup, which is considered the pinnacle of Football and one of the most watched events attracted an audience of 1.12 billion viewers.
Due to these reasons, fans around the world took to Twitter to express their bafflement over this.
Lets just get this straight here, there is absolutely ZERO chance that almost half of the world population watched Messi’s presentation. I didn’t even know where to find it, let alone watch it. https://t.co/hmAyZpoqE6
— Xav Salazar (@XavsFutbol) July 19, 2023
Both Ronaldo’s 3 billion and Messi’s 3.5 billion numbers are nonsense. Not even 100million watched either of their presentations. Honestly I don’t know how they make these numbers
— Live From Camp Nou (@LiveFromCampNou) July 19, 2023
Some countries in the world are not into football. Including my country with 114 million people. Most of these people dont know who is Messi or what is a messi https://t.co/dliBzCSemS
— shewa (@rachelbooots) July 19, 2023
It’s possible lmao https://t.co/EV7lx3Q8vF pic.twitter.com/Bhbn173HGW
— 2Legit2Quit (@2legit2Quit_Now) July 19, 2023
Hence accepting that Messi’s presentation attracted more views than the World Cup is hard to digest.
Dive Deeper: “It’s a Huge Moment” – Exactly 16 Years After David Beckham’s MLS Debut, Lionel Messi to Debut For Inter Miami
Keeping the numbers aside, the presentation was a landmark event filled with emotion and optimism
16 years ago, David Beckham sent shockwaves across the world by joining LA Galaxy from Real Madrid. The former Manchester United player was a visionary and paved the way for more superstars to join the MLS. Seeing Messi in top form playing in the MLS is a proud moment for the league. Acknowledging this fact, BEcks couldn’t hold back his emotions after Messi’s presentation.
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“Ten years ago, I started my journey to build a new MLS team. I said then, I dreamt of bringing the best players in the world to South Florida and to the great city of Miami. Players who shared our ambition to grow soccer in this country. . .We are so happy that you are all here to celebrate this incredible moment,” said the ex-PSG man to ESPN.
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago0299382955h.jpg?width=150&blur=15)
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July 16, 2023: Lionel Messi presents his jersey next to Inter Miami owners, Jorge Mas, far-left, Jose Mas, third from left, and David Beckham, far-right, during the teamÃs The Unveil event at DRV PNK Stadium on Sunday, July 16, 2023, in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The event was held to officially welcome Argentine forward Lionel Messi 10 and Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets 5 to the team. – ZUMAm67_ 20230716_zaf_m67_028 Copyright: xMatiasxJ.xOcnerx
He ended on an emotional note, stating that it is a dream come true for him. “So please forgive me for feeling a little bit emotional tonight. It truly is a dream come true to welcome Lionel Messi to Inter Miami. . .Bienvenido a La Familia.”
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The future definitely looks bright for MLS. What are your thoughts? Let us know in the comments below!
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