“Go After the Big Names” – David Beckham Told to Pursue Superstars as Lionel Messi’s Potential Departure Adds to Inter Miami’s Woes

For David Beckham and Inter Miami, it has surely been a season of mixed fortunes. After making a statement by signing World Cup winner Lionel Messi, the Miami club won the League Cup as the Argentine maestro helped the franchise win their first trophy. A huge media frenzy followed Messi’s move to the MLS, reigniting widespread interest in soccer in the country. However, an ESPN FC pundit reckons Beckham’s franchise will have to sign other star players in the long term.

It’s no secret that Messi-mania swept across the USA following the Argentine superstar’s move to Inter Miami. ESPN FC pundit Al Moreno further suggested that this was because Messi is one of the greatest players in the history of the game. Now another ESPN pundit has suggested what he thinks should be the long-term vision for Inter Miami in what he called a “tough” sports market in Miami and America.

ESPN FC pundit Janusz Michallik suggests Inter Miami should sign more superstars

Speaking on ESPN FC’s latest podcast in conversation with Mark Donaldson, former MLS player Janusz Michallik spoke out about what he thinks is the pathway forward for Inter Miami. He said that they would have to make more big-name signings in the near future, whether Messi stays or leaves. Speaking on the show, Michallik said, “Inter Miami is going to have to go after the big names because, otherwise, you know that franchise is irrelevant to some degree; we all know it. I mean, we’ve seen it with Leo Messi.”

“Miami has been such a tough market for professional sports in general right but specifically for soccer, and I’ve been here 40 years, and there’s been a team there in the past in Major League Soccer. It’s so difficult. You remember one of his first games when he was substituted people started leaving. So I think even when Leo Messi is done playing with Inter Miami, they better have another star lined up.”

These comments from Michallik come shortly after news that Leo Messi could feature in Inter Miami’s final MLS game of the season. Messi was compelled to watch Miami’s last home game at the DRV PNK Stadium from the stands but could play against Charlotte FC.

Messi could feature in Inter Miami’s last MLS game of the season

According to recent reports from the Miami camp on Friday, Messi will be available for selection against Charlotte FC in Miami’s last game of the season. This is despite injury concerns that have seen Messi’s minutes for Inter Miami limited in October.

However, it is unclear whether he will start the game or come off the bench. The report stated Miami assistant Javier Morales confirmed the same.

However, Messi’s immediate future after this game remains up in the air as Inter Miami prepares for a trip to Asia in the off-season. But it seems as though Messi fans can catch one last glimpse of the Argentine star playing this season in Miami’s final MLS match this weekend before next season begins.

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