David Beckham has provided insight into the decision of Inter Miami to acquire Lionel Messi as well as the effects the remarkable trade has already had in Florida.
After his contract with Ligue 1 powerhouses Paris Saint-Germain expired, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner shocked the footballing world by revealing that he would be transferring to the Major League Soccer as a free agent.
The Argentine superstar first seemed destined to stay in Barcelona, despite lucrative offers from the Middle East, but the 36-year-old is now getting ready to pursue his American dream.
The former captain of England and Manchester United opened up about why he moved for Messi and how his phone has been ringing off the hook ever since a spectacular coup was made public.
Beckham is a star at Manchester United and helped to make that trade happen.
The “Lessons in Leadership” conference attendees heard Beckham say, “A couple of weeks ago, I woke up to nearly a million texts on my phone.
What went off, I was wondering. This many texts is unusual for me. Leo has suddenly come out and said he’s heading to Miami, I learn. Naturally, I wasn’t surprised by it.
“I have always said, from the word go, that if I had the opportunity to bring the best players in the game to Miami, at whatever time of their careers, I would do that.
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” I have always made that commitment to our fans. So when I hear that one of the best players — if not the best player — who has won everything in the game, who is still a great player, still young and still doing what he’s doing, wants to play for my team, it’s a massive moment for us.”
While being a major shareholder at Inter Miami, Beckham also owns a stake in League Two outfit Salford City alongside his fellow United graduates from the Class of ‘92.
He said when jokingly quizzed on why Messi has ended up in Miami rather than Greater Manchester: “Yes, I am part-owner of Salford City.
“And Salford is a great place. But, obviously, Argentina is closer to Miami than Salford. I think that was quite a pull for Leo.”
On 21 July, Messi is expected to make his Inter Miami debut against Cruz Azul in a Leagues Cup match. A month later, he is anticipated to make his MLS debut against Charlotte FC at home.
