David Beckham and Lionel Messi Inter Miami theory blown out of the water

25 September 2023 , 22:09

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David Beckham may have not been the biggest factor in Lionel Messi's decision to move to MLS after all (Image: Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

Philadelphia Union boss Jim Curtin has claimed that main draw to Inter Miami for Lionel Messi was working with Gerardo Martino, as opposed to the charms of David Beckham.

The World Cup winner has settled nicely into life in Florida following his summer move, notching a sublime 11 goals in his first 12 outings. The signing has proven a masterstroke by Vice City co-owners Beckham and Jorge Mas but Curtin has credited Martino with ensuring its success.

The Philly boss has been left in no doubt about the Argentine's influence, from convincing Messi to sign in the first place to enabling him to flourish on the pitch. As the MLS coach rightly points out, the introduction of maestro Sergio Busquets and experienced defender Jordi Alba has also been an unsung factor in Miami's resurgence.

Curtin explained: "Sometimes people forget, he was the first piece. I think Messi comes because Tata's there, Busquets comes because Tata's there and Alba, as well. He was the first move in this whole thing that really transformed the club, he's the leader, an incredible coach, an incredible person."

Former Barcelona chief Martino was installed as Phil Neville's replacement following a torrid start to the MLS season, which left them rock bottom of the Eastern Conference. From there, he has presided over a transformation in the team's fortunes, which included their Leagues Cup triumph.

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For Curtin, his fellow manager's influence on this new-look Inter Miami team has been obvious, with his hard work on the training pitch already paying dividends. He explained: "When you think of Tata, you can see how his players respond and react to him almost like a father figure who is an incredible soccer mind, as well.

"When you think of his teams in Atlanta and now his team in Miami, the way they can manipulate a defence, the way they run at you for 90 minutes and be relentless with their attacking movements/ that's something that's pretty clear to Tata's teams.

Gerardo Martino has helped Lionel Messi to reach top form during the early days of his Inter Miami spell (Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

"You know when you're playing against a Tata Martino team you better be on your game defensively for 90 minutes because they are relentless from the opening whistle until the final whistle. And after the game he smiles and shakes your hand. He's a gentleman."

The Herons have resurrected their chances of gate-crashing the MLS playoffs with a strong second half to the season so far. With five games to go in the regular season, they trail New York City in the final qualification slot by five points - with two games in hand on them.

One major concern for Martino will be the ongoing question marks surrounding the fitness of Messi, however, who has missed three out of their last four games. A scar problem has been plaguing the veteran forward of late and he was withdrawn after just 37 minutes versus Toronto.

Tom Beattie