Sixteen years after he first touched down in America, David Beckham has been central to another watershed moment for Major League Soccer, by welcoming none other than Lionel Messi to the Inter Miami FC project.
The growth the league has experienced since Beckham’s time at LA Galaxy has been unparalleled, in no small part thanks to the former midfielder’s resounding impact in his first spell stateside.
Since then, the number of teams in the league has more than doubled to 29, more than twenty soccer-specific stadiums have risen from the ground, and fan numbers continue to grow across the country. Now, MLS welcomes arguably the greatest player of all time - a move that promises to take the league up yet another level.
But speaking ahead of the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner’s unveiling, the England legend says he was convinced of the league’s potential to flourish into something special from the moment he arrived:
“For me, it wasn’t taking a chance. I know America, I know this sport. I knew this was going to be a challenge, moving to America, to a different league, playing for the LA Galaxy. I was excited about the challenge, it was a chance to actually raise the profile of this game - the biggest game in the world - in America. My commitment was always to the league."
The former Barcelona man was presented to fans at DRV PNK Stadium on Sunday night, in a ceremony fitting of the Argentine’s stature in the game. The similarities between the two players’ arrivals are clear in their potentially transformative impact for soccer in the States - although Beckham does point out that his had been a daytime unveiling. The Inter Miami FC President and Co-Owner also had a word for Managing Owner Jorge Mas, with whom he has been heading the franchise since its formation in 2018.
“Tonight is the typical Miami welcome, for one of the greatest players to have ever played the game. We have our fans in here, celebrating this moment. My commitment in 2007 was to this sport and to building the sport in this country. I then needed someone with the same stamina, the same vision as me, to bring all of this to life. This is a family business, this is a partnership, this is what we created, and I’m very proud of that”
Fans of The Herons will have the chance to see Messi in action, as well as Sergio Busquets, when they kick off their Leagues Cup campaign next Friday. The team will be playing the first of their two match-ups in South 3 against Cruz Azul, with the match kicking off at 8pm ET.
