The summer of 2023 will always be remembered as a time for Major League Soccer, as it witnessed the anticipated arrival of Lionel Messi at Inter Miami. Fans around the world rejoiced in this event, but there was one concern on the mind of David Beckham, a part-owner of Inter Miami.
Beckham openly admitted that the signing of Lionel Messi evoked more emotions than he had expected. What troubled Beckham greatly was the existence of options for Messi. The legendary Barcelona player had received offers from Saudi Arabia and even had the opportunity to return to Barcelona.
The latter option held value for soccer fans worldwide since Lionel Messi never had a chance to bid farewell to the club where he spent most of his career. Ultimately, it was up to Messi to decide whether to create an atmosphere within the Inter Miami camp.
David Beckham: I snuck into Messi’s father’s hotel to meet him and said: “We want your son.” But it was clear that he had offers from Saudi Arabia, as well as offers to return to Barcelona. He then had to decide.
— Leo Messi 🔟 Fan Club (@WeAreMessi) October 4, 2023
Beckham also shared his perspective on watching Messi as an owner. He stated, “I played against [Lionel Messi] for PSG [Paris Saint-Germain] and for Real Madrid, against Barcelona. And obviously, he was unbelievable then, but it’s not until you physically see him, and you’re sat there watching him, and every move that he does – he never gives the ball away”.
Messi’s decision to join Inter Miami was not a signing. Beckham and his team hoped that Messi’s choice would be driven by his desire to live in Miami with his family while continuing to play soccer in a manner that brings him joy.
🗣️David Beckham: “When Lionel Messi joined Inter Miami, I came to training at 7:00 a.m. every day for five weeks just to see him.” #Messi #Intermiamicf #MLS pic.twitter.com/V8uRptnXqD
— Inter Miami FC Hub (@Intermiamicfhub) October 4, 2023
Nevertheless, they also wanted Lionel Messi to announce his decision in his own way, which is precisely what he did. According to Beckham, Messi was staying in a hotel room with a friend when he recorded the announcement video announcing his decision to move to Miami.
David Beckham reveals Lionel Messi’s impact on the Inter Miami academy
Lionel Messi’s arrival at Inter Miami has had a significant impact on the club’s academy as well as the first team. Messi has taken on the role of mentor to the young talents at Inter Miami, sharing invaluable advice with the academy players in addition to his extraordinary performances on the pitch.
In a recent interview, David Beckham shed light on Messi’s influence, revealing the Argentine legend’s commitment to nurturing the club’s young talents. Beckham shared a touching story about a conversation he had with one of the academy’s promising young players. When asked about the best piece of advice he had received from Messi, the young player responded, “To walk more because you see more“.
Thiago Messi has started his Inter Miami academy journey with the U12s 📈
(via @InterMiamiAcad) pic.twitter.com/WNI1weDMIN
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) September 14, 2023
David Beckham spoke passionately about Messi’s impact on the academy, stating, “To bring in Leo has changed everything. The academy kids have someone to look up to, who has done everything, won everything, and he’s teaching them, which is amazing”.
Messi’s relationship with Inter Miami’s lower levels extends beyond simple advice. Thiago Messi, his own son, enrolls in the club’s academy, demonstrating his genuine commitment to the development of young talent.
