David Beckham’s fervent efforts to secure the services of Lionel Messi for Inter Miami have culminated in a partnership aimed at pursuing MLS Cup triumph in Messi’s inaugural full season in the United States. The completion of the transformative deal brought Beckham to the brink of tears, marking it as one of his most significant personal accomplishments. The pursuit of Messi’s signature commenced officially in September 2019, with Beckham’s discreet negotiations with Messi’s father and agent, Jorge. Despite Messi’s ongoing commitments with Barcelona at the time, Beckham, propelled by both business acumen and personal ambition, initiated discussions outlining the potential impact of Messi’s arrival on both Inter Miami and the MLS.
The recent ascension of Inter Miami to the top of the MLS standings underscores the immediate impact of Messi’s presence, with the team considered frontrunners for this season’s MLS Cup. Embracing a long-term perspective, Inter Miami has strategically integrated Messi into their club strategy, mindful of maintaining the integrity of their operations since their establishment in 2018. Messi’s contract with Inter Miami, extending until the end of 2025 and valued at up to £47 million annually, carries aspirations of elevating football in the United States ahead of the 2026 World Cup, where Miami is slated to host several matches.
Beyond the sporting realm, Messi’s arrival has illuminated Inter Miami’s profile, attracting A-list celebrities to their matches and enhancing the club’s visibility. Beckham’s relationship with Messi, characterized by mutual respect and camaraderie, has been cultivated over the years, as evidenced by Messi’s public acknowledgment of Beckham’s venture into club ownership and their shared celebratory moments. Beckham’s deliberate efforts to ensure Messi and his family feel at home in Miami, coupled with his unwavering admiration for the football maestro, underscore the symbiotic nature of their collaboration, poised to redefine Inter Miami’s trajectory on the global stage.