WHAT HAPPENED?

The Argentine lit up the chase stadium with a late world-class free-kick goal on his debut as the Herons beat Cruz Azul in a Leagues Cup clash on July 21, 2023. On the completion of one year of Messi’s debut for the American club, the David Beckham co-owned side celebrated the occasion.

THE BIGGER PICTURE

The 37-year-old, who is currently out injured, was presented with a unique gift by Inter Miami prior to their MLS clash with the Chicago Fire on Sunday, with a special video also pieced together in his honour.

WHAT DAVID BECKHAM SAID

The Manchester United legend later posted the video on Instagram with a caption that read, “When we wrote ‘Freedom to Dream’ as our club’s motto THIS is exactly what we meant. 1 year since Leo’s debut in the pink of Miami.”

WHAT NEXT FOR LIONEL MESSI?

Lionel Messi Thiago Inter Miami 2024© Provided by GOAL

The Barcelona legend is currently sidelined with an unfortunate ankle injury that he suffered during Argentina’s win over Colombia in the Copa America 2024 final. The superstar is likely to sit out the upcoming MLS All-Star Game and defence of a Leagues Cup crown.

How David Beckham Signed Lionel Messi?

David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami CF, recently shared the extraordinary journey that led to the signing of global football superstar Lionel Messi. The acquisition of Messi by Inter Miami has been hailed as a landmark moment in Major League Soccer (MLS) history, significantly raising the profile of the league and the club.

The Vision

Beckham’s vision for Inter Miami was always ambitious. From the inception of the club, he dreamed of bringing world-class talent to Miami. The ultimate goal was to create a team that could compete at the highest levels while also attracting international attention. Signing Messi, arguably the greatest footballer of all time, was a part of this grand vision.

The Strategy

The process to sign Messi involved meticulous planning and strategic negotiations. Beckham and the Inter Miami management team had to demonstrate the club’s potential, the lifestyle benefits of living in Miami, and the impact Messi could have on soccer in the United States. They presented a comprehensive plan that highlighted how Messi could not only continue his illustrious career but also expand his brand and legacy in a new market.

The Pitch

One of the critical factors in convincing Messi was Beckham’s personal involvement. Beckham, a former superstar himself, understands the intricacies of the football world and the importance of personal touches in such high-stakes negotiations. He engaged in multiple discussions with Messi, sharing his own experiences and the unique opportunities that playing in Miami could offer. Beckham emphasized the city’s vibrant culture, the passionate fan base, and the chance to pioneer soccer in America.

The Deal

The financial aspects of the deal were also significant. Inter Miami had to offer a competitive salary and other incentives to entice Messi. The club worked with MLS to create a package that would be attractive to Messi while adhering to league regulations. This included leveraging MLS’s unique Designated Player Rule, which allows clubs to sign star players without affecting the team’s salary cap significantly.

The Announcement

The announcement of Messi’s signing was a watershed moment for Inter Miami and MLS. It generated unprecedented media coverage and excitement among fans worldwide. Beckham, reflecting on the achievement, expressed his pride and excitement for what the future holds. He highlighted the importance of having a player of Messi’s caliber in raising the profile of the club and inspiring young players in the region.

The Impact

Messi’s arrival has already had a profound impact on Inter Miami and MLS. Ticket sales, merchandise, and global interest in the league have surged. The presence of Messi is expected to attract more high-profile players to MLS, further enhancing the league’s competitiveness and reputation.