David Beckham, the esteemed owner of Inter Miami CF, exuded pure excitement as Lionel Messi officially penned his contract with the club on July 15. The momentous announcement arrived via Inter Miami’s official Twitter account, revealing the acquisition of the Argentine maestro on a remarkable free transfer. Renowned as the greatest footballer of all time, Messi’s highly-anticipated debut in Major League Soccer (MLS) looms on the horizon, following his successful tenure with Ligue 1 giants Paris Saint-Germain, where he clinched the Ligue 1 title twice in consecutive seasons.
The 34-year-old maestro concluded his French escapade on a resounding note, leaving a lasting impact as the leading assist provider for the 2022-2023 Ligue 1 season. Amidst fierce competition, Messi outshone his former teammate Kylian Mbappe, who had claimed the prestigious accolade in the preceding year, delivering an exceptional tally of 16 assists in 32 league appearances. Taking to Instagram, Beckham poured his heart out in a poignant post, proclaiming, “The next chapter of our story starts here. Ten years ago, when I embarked on this journey, I dreamt of bringing the greatest players in the world to Miami… Players who share the same ambition I had when I joined LA Galaxy, to nurture football’s growth in this country and etch a legacy in the sport we hold dear.”
He continued, “Today, that dream has become a reality. I couldn’t be prouder to have a player of Leo’s caliber donning our club’s colors. But I’m equally thrilled to welcome a dear friend, an extraordinary individual, and his beautiful family to our cherished Inter Miami CF community.”
Following his triumphant leadership, guiding Argentina to World Cup glory in Qatar last year, Messi is now poised to embark on a new adventure with Inter Miami CF, a team currently stationed at the bottom of the Eastern Conference standings. To commemorate his arrival, a special event will be held at the DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where Messi will be officially introduced to the fervent supporters on July 16 at 8 PM ET (July 17, 5:30 AM as per India time). Expressing his elation, MLS Commissioner Don Garber underlined the significance of Messi’s decision to join Inter Miami CF and the league, underscoring the profound impact this move has on elevating the global stature of MLS.
Garber firmly believes that Messi’s presence will serve as a testament to the league’s allure for top-tier players, further fortifying the sport’s foundation in North America. As the anticipation mounts, Messi’s debut for Inter Miami is expected later this month, with initial reports suggesting a potential maiden appearance against Liga MX side Cruz Azul on July 21.