David Beckham left pinching himself after Lionel Messi "gift" & transfer demand

16 November 2023 , 23:35

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David Beckham left pinching himself after Lionel Messi "gift" & transfer demand

David Beckham still can't believe Lionel Messi plays for Inter Miami - with more superstars potentially coming the Englishman's way.

Beckham, who co-owns the Major League Soccer hopefuls, managed to lure Messi, 36, to Florida in July following his exit from Paris Saint-Germain. The Ballon d'Or holder made an immediate impact stateside, scoring 11 goals in his first 14 appearances for Miami.

Beckham has assembled quite the squad in the United States, with Barcelona icons Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets also on Miami's books. The former England captain is hoping to bring more of Messi's former team-mates to Florida next year.

It's believed Miami are wanting to sign Ivan Rakitic once his contract with Sevilla expires in June, while Barcelona captain Sergi Roberto is also on Beckham's transfer shortlist. One player who seems destined to join Miami is Messi's good friend Luis Suarez.

Signing Suarez would be a huge coup for Miami - just like landing Messi was four months ago. "It's still hard to believe that when someone turns around to me and says Inter Miami have Lionel Messi in their team, you know," Beckham told AFP.

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"It's a very proud thing for me to have as an owner, to have a player like that, the best player in the world, in our team. We always knew that bringing Leo to America, not just to Miami, it was our gift to America and the MLS.

"Because someone like that changes the game. You know, someone like that inspires another generation of soccer players. And that's why we wanted to bring Leo to the team. Of course, we want to win championships.

David Beckham still can't believe Messi plays for Miami (Getty)

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"Of course, we want to be the best team in the league. But one of the reasons why we bought him was to also inspire the next generation of soccer players in America, to want to be soccer players. So bringing him does that and it's an important thing for us."

Beckham's hoping to give Messi his own gift by signing Suarez. The Liverpool icon, 36, has scored 26 goals for Brazilian side Gremio this season and is out of contract in December. Reports across the Atlantic suggest a deal has been agreed between Suarez and Miami.

Suarez has spoken Messi over the past few days... but not about Miami. They will face each other in Buenos Aires on Thursday evening when Messi's Argentina welcomes Suarez's Uruguay for a World Cup qualifier. "Yes, we were talking to Leo," Suarez told ESPN.

"I was happy, first because he often asked me about the national team, and now happy for the summons and to face each other again, it's something very nice."

Tom Blow