David Beckham shares social media post as Inter Miami felicitate Lionel Messi after he becomes football's most decorated player
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham has shared an appreciation post to celebrate attacker Lionel Messi becoming the sport's most decorated player. The 37-year-old won a record 45th trophy with club and country at the recent 2024 Copa America.
Although Messi hobbled off injured midway through the second half of the final with Colombia in Miami last week, Lautaro Martinez's 112nd-minute winner sealed the deal for Argentina. It marked La Pulga's 45th trophy with club and country, breaking a tie with his former Barcelona teammate Dani Alves.
Beckham posted an Instagram story of Messi receiving a special award as the Herons academy players watched on, captioning it:
"Special night Leo Messi"
The felicitation ceremony happened just before the Herons' 2-1 MLS home win over Chicago on Sunday (July 21). Messi missed the game due to injury as the Herons went five points clear at the top.
Meanwhile, the 2024 Copa was Messi's fourth straight title with his national team, adding to previous triumphs at the 2021 Copa America, 2022 Finalissima and the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
The Abliceleste are the first team since Chile (2015-16) to go back-to-back. Interestingly, Messi and Co. were at the receiving end of both final defeats on penalties as Chile won consecutive Copa titles.
How David Beckham's Inter Miami have fared in Lionel Messi's absence since 2024 Copa America
Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has had an injury-plagued year, missing multiple games for club and country. He had a rather underwhelming 2024 Copa America campaign, contributing a goal and an assist as his team won the title.
Following his ligament injury in the final against Colombia, Messi is expected to be on the sidelines for a while. However, the Herons have fared rather well in their talismanic captain's absence since he left for Copa duty last month.
In seven games, Miami have won six games, including four of five when Messi was at the Copa. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner has missed the last two games due to injury, with David Beckham's side winning both to consolidate their lead atop the Eastern Conference.