Beckham: ‘Messi changed Inter Miami’s life in just 5 weeks’

David Beckham affirmed that Inter Miami has shown continuous improvement, almost rewriting history with the Leagues Cup championship, all thanks to the remarkable contribution of Lionel Messi.

On the evening of August 19, Inter Miami competed in the final against Nashville. Messi once again showcased his brilliance, scoring a magnificent goal with his left foot to open the scoring. Despite a 1-1 tie at the end of 90 minutes, he and his teammates triumphed 10-9 in a penalty shootout, securing the 2023 Leagues Cup title.

Beckham admitted to feeling anxious while watching the 11-meter penalty shootout, which extended to 11 turns and even required the goalkeepers to take shots. “It’s not easy witnessing a game conclude in such a manner,” the former English player stated in the tunnel at Geodis Park. “Nashville put up a strong fight, but this is Inter Miami’s night.”

Beckham with the trio of Messi – Busquets – Alba and the Leagues Cup trophy – Inter Miami’s inaugural title. Photo: Actu Foot / AFP Beckham (right) with the trio of Messi – Busquets – Alba (second from right) and the Leagues Cup trophy – Inter Miami’s inaugural title. Photo: Actu Foot / AFP

Beckham then commended the newcomers of the summer, Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba: “It’s like a movie, each time Messi scores, Busquets makes a pass, or Alba sprints. People say it as though it’s scripted, and that’s the ultimate tribute to these players. Watching them play is an emotional experience. Everything about their playing style is remarkable.”

Founded in 2018, Inter Miami joined the MLS two years later, securing 19th, 20th, and sixth positions in their first three seasons. Presently, Beckham’s team ranks at the bottom of the table after 22 matches in the 2023 season, with five wins, three draws, and 14 losses. Before Messi’s arrival, Inter Miami went 11 matches without a victory.

However, with the addition of the Argentine superstar, the team won all seven matches en route to clinching the Leagues Cup. Messi individually contributed 10 goals. “A lot can change in five weeks,” Beckham acknowledged. “Inter Miami has experienced transformation, with so many new elements. We will savor this victory, look towards the future, and continue to progress. We have the world’s best players and a lot of promising academy talents. That’s crucial. This is a moment of emotions and a lengthy journey for me.”

Messi embraces Beckham after winning the Leagues Cup with Inter Miami Messi embraces Beckham after winning the Leagues Cup with Inter Miami.

As they awaited the trophy, Messi surprised everyone by removing the captain’s armband and passing it to defender DeAndre Yedlin. During the award ceremony, he called Yedlin to join him in bringing the Cup to where their teammates waited. Yedlin, a 30-year-old right-back, joined Miami in February 2022 and was quickly given the captaincy. However, when Messi arrived, he relinquished the captain’s role to the 36-year-old superstar.

Yedlin expressed surprise at Messi’s gesture and affirmed that Messi’s presence had helped elevate Inter Miami’s mentality, always approaching matches with a winning mindset. “I can’t say the team had that mentality for every game prior to this,” he remarked. “This is only Messi’s seventh game with Inter Miami. It’s incredible that I can lift a trophy with Messi, and that speaks volumes about his character.”

With Inter Miami’s victory over Nashville in the Leagues Cup final, Messi secured his 44th title, surpassing former teammate Dani Alves as the player with the most collective titles in football history. He soon had the chance to further extend this record when facing Cincinnati in the US Open 2023 semifinal with Inter Miami in Ohio on August 24th at 6 am (Hanoi time). If they advance to the final, they will face Houston Dynamo or Real Salt Lake.