The moment Lionel Messi declared his new destination, MLS and Inter Miami came to focus. It comes as enormous news for Inter Miami, a club owned by David Beckham who, back in 2020, aspired to sign big players. And fast forward to today, his club got one of the massive names in soccer.
As Lionel Messi approached the end of his contract with PSG, speculations over his transfer were in full swing. Several clubs like FC Barcelona, Al Hilal, and Inter Miami joined the race to sign the Argentine. Al Hilal was in a prominent position with around $1 billion offer over three years, which they recently increased to $1.5 billion for three seasons.
However, Inter Miami, supported by MLS and its clubs, emerged victorious in signing Lionel Messi. After Messi announced he is leaving PSG, David Beckham moved quickly to complete his aspiration of landing the superstar in Miami.
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David Beckham dreamed of landing Lionel Messi in 2020
David Beckham’s deal from Real Madrid to LA Galaxy included a clause that will see him owning an expansion club in MLS. As per the deal, he would get the rights for the club for $25 million. In 2018, he got the rights for the Miami-based club, and Inter Miami came to life. The club started to play in MLS in 2020. Ahead of the debut season, Beckham aspired to make great signings like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi.
He was on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, where he spoke of his aspirations. Beckham said, “Well, you know what? We’ve got great opportunities down in Miami, and we’ve been contacted by a lot of different players with possibly coming to join the team.”
🚨🚨 BREAKING: Lionel Messi to Inter Miami, here we go! The decision has been made and it will be announced by Leo in the next hours #InterMiami
🇺🇸 Messi will play in MLS. No more chances for Barcelona/Al Hilal despite trying to make it happen.
𝐇𝐄𝐑𝐄 𝐖𝐄 𝐆𝐎#Messi #MLS pic.twitter.com/OTYWIlEzNc
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) June 7, 2023
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“As an owner, you really want the best players. And if we have the opportunity to bring in players like Cristiano or Leo Messi, I have got such admiration for both of them as athletes. If we could bring those players in, then great,” the United legend added. His dream is fulfilled now, with the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner opting for Miami.
However, Messi will have an uphill task ahead. Inter Miami is languishing at the bottom of the Eastern Conference table. With around half a season to go, the club will hope its fortune changes with Messi. Miami is also in for a new coach after sacking Phil Neville.
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But one thing is sure, Messi’s signing will bring massive changes to American soccer and MLS ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.