“That was really important for Leo” - David Beckham shares main reason why Lionel Messi decided to join Inter Miami in MLS
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham has explained why star attacker Lionel Messi chose to join the Herons last summer, marking a coup of sorts for the MLS side.
Amid reported interest from Barcelona and Saudi Arabia, Messi arrived in the States for a new adventure, marking the first time in nearly two decades that he moved out of European football.
Having spent 17 seasons at Barca and two at Paris Saint-Germain, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner made an immediate impact at his new surroundings. After opting not to extend his stay at PSG, Messi was contemplating his next destination.
Beckham said at Stella Artois' Let's Go Dinner event in New York (via GOAL) about why Messi chose to arrive in the States, specifically at Miami:
“All he was interested in is a place where his family could come enjoy and have a great life. That was really important for Leo. I mean, from day one, from the moment he put his foot down in Miami, it's been a dream, honestly.
“To be able to say that we've signed the world's greatest ever player to ever play the game. Everybody's got their opinion on who they think is the best player of all time – whether it be Diego Maradona, Pele, all of these great players."
The Manchester United legend added how it's a 'dream' that one of the best players in the game's history plays for the Herons:
“To say that we have in the MLS, in Miami, the greatest player to play the game, it's just like a dream, you know? It's a dream every time that I'm there.
"If I go for the whole of the summer, which I went for four weeks this summer, I go into training every single day because, personally, I can't believe we've got Leo. Secondly, I just want to watch what he does. And that's a special thing for us.”
Lionel Messi has achieved success at his new side, leading them to their first-ever title at the 2023 Leagues Cup.
How has Lionel Messi fared for Inter Miami?
Lionel Messi has sizzled in his stint with Inter Miami - whom he joined last summer on a free transfer. Despite being plagued by injuries, the 37-year-old has been effective whenever he has been available.
In 32 games across competitions, he has racked up 27 goals and 17 assists. That includes 16 goals and 12 assists in 18 outings across competitions this season. It's pertinent to note that Messi missed two months of action due to an ankle injury after the 2024 Copa America final and only returned last week.
Inter Miami are eight points clear atop the Eastern Conference after 30 games as they seek their first league title.