David Beckham is pleased with how Lionel Messi has affected soccer in the United States.
Speaking to AFP via Yahoo Sports UK during his trip to India as a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, the former LA Galaxy midfielder discussed Messi’s impact on football in America.
“It’s still hard to believe that when someone turns around to me and says Inter Miami have Lionel Messi in their team, you know,” the ex-Real Madrid player said.
“It’s a very proud thing for me to have as an owner, to have a player like that, the best player in the world, in our team. We always knew that bringing Leo to America, not just to Miami, it was our gift to America and the MLS.”
Alongside co-owners Jorge and Jose Mas, Beckham founded Inter Miami in 2018. The club had a rough start to life in Major League Soccer, only making the playoffs twice in its four years of existence.
It wasn’t until this summer that the South Florida team started to make noise, not only in MLS but within world football.
Inter Miami’s transformative summer
Inter Miami shocked the league when they managed to sign Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba.
The trio teamed up to lead Miami to its first title in club history this summer, beating Nashville SC in the Leagues Cup final.
As the Herons get ready for 2024, plenty more excitement will be coming their way.
Reports suggest that Luis Suárez will be heading to the Fort Lauderdale team when his contract at current club Gremio expires.
Furthermore, Inter Miami will play in several international and domestic competitions throughout 2024.
Although the men in pink failed to make the post-season this year, 2024 is shaping up to be an exhilarating year for the Herons.