Inter Miami’s David Beckham Addresses Lionel Messi Acquisition

The co-owner weighed in on the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner joining the Miami-based MLS club.

No one was happier than David Beckham when Lionel Messi decided that he would join Inter Miami after his contract Paris Saint-Germain expired in June.

However, the former Manchester United legend and current Inter Miami co-owner was not prepared for the flood of notifications following Leo’s announcement to join the MLS squad. On Sunday, Beckham discussed the Messi acquisition at a Lessons in Leadership event in London.

Beckham said it was always his goal to seek the best talent for his MLS club.

“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,” Beckham said. “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 Messi has not officially begun his tenure in Miami, the Argentine superstar chose to play for Inter Miami over returning to his longtime former club, FC Barcelona, and the Saudi Arabian Pro League’s Al Hilal.

The 2022 World Cup winner and seven-time Ballon d'Or winner is expected to earn anywhere from $50 million to $60 million when he joins the club, according to CNN. Messi is expected to make his debut with the club on July 21 when it faces Liga MX club Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup.