Lionel Messi left Paris Saint-Germain last summer after two seasons and decided to end his tenure in Europe altogether. Despite interest from FC Barcelona and Al-Hilal, the Argentine decided to head to the United States.
Messi opted to join Inter Miami over remaining in Europe or heading to Saudi Arabia. One of the architects who lured the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner to South Florida once his contract with the Parisians expired was co-owner David Beckham.
During an interview on the Sirius XM radio network, Beckham shared the story of how he found out about the most iconic signing in MLS history.
“We knew that month that there was a decision to be made, because Leo had announced that he was leaving PSG,” Beckham said (h/t Diario AS). “So, four or five A.M. in Japan, and I’m in bed, and my phone keeps buzzing and buzzing and buzzing … I then see, ‘Leo Messi has decided to come to Miami.’ And I get goosebumps now. I sit up in my bed, and I start crying.”
Over time, Beckham maintained communication with Messi’s team, ensuring that Inter Miami’s ongoing interest remained evident. Beyond the on-field proposition, Miami provided a sense of cultural and linguistic familiarity for Messi, along with the chance to spearhead a sporting revolution in the United States.
The 36-year-old is in his first full season in MLS and it will be interesting to see what heights he can take Inter Miami while he’s there as a player.
