David Beckham reaction to latest Lionel Messi magic spotted by fan

07 August 2023 , 14:20

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Lionel Messi brought David Beckham to his feet again (Image: Getty)

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham jumped to his feet after Lionel Messi's late equaliser in the 4-4 Leagues Cup Round of 16 draw with FC Dallas forced the game to penalties, which the team went on to win 5-3.

The Argentine, 36, joined the MLS team on a free transfer after his contract expired at PSG. And in four games before Sunday's game with Dallas, the World Cup-winning captain scored five and assisted one in wins over Cruz Azul, Atlanta United, and Orlando City.

And Messi's magic continued, opening the scoring in the sixth minute after running on to Jordi Alba's cutback to fire low into the back of the net. Inter Miami then fought back from 3-1 and 4-2 down, with Messi playing a part in the team's second and third, before scoring another late blockbuster free-kick to level the score.

Co-owner Beckham, who was instrumental in securing the services of Messi, was in the stands in Dallas to watch the game, and couldn't hide his excitement as he watched a fellow free-kick specialist at work. Becks jumped to his feet and threw his arms out as the crowd went wild in footage captured from the stands and circulating on social media.

"I never thought I would have the same feeling as an owner as I had when I was a player,” Beckham said of signing Messi. “When I got the phone call, I had the feeling I had when I walked out at Old Trafford or Wembley. I was like, ‘We’ve just beaten all competition to sign the greatest player to ever play our game’.”

Mbappe misses two penalties and open goal in one minute before going off injured

Messi and Co then held their nerve in the penalty shootout, scoring all five of their attempts to book their place in the quarter-finals of the Leagues Cup, where they are waiting for either Houston Dynamo or Charlotte FC. Inter Miami's uptake in form comes at the right time, with the team searching for a franchise-first trophy, while also attempting to revive their MLS campaign.

The team sits bottom of the Eastern Conference, 12 points off the final playoff spot with 12 games left to go and 36 points up for grabs. And Inter Miami will fancy their chances of eating into the points deficit, especially with a smiley Messi, Sergio Busquets, and Alba in their team. "We have the best player in the world [Messi]. That can't be ignored,” said manager Gerardo Martino.

The Leagues Cup quarter-final is scheduled for Saturday with the Leagues Cup set to be concluded before the MLS restarts. Charlotte getting past Houston could provide a vital shot in the arm of Inter Miami, who faces the North Carolina team on Aug. 21 in the MLS.

Charlotte are not enjoying the best of campaigns either and currently sits outside of the playoff places. However, they only have a four-point gap to make up.

Joshua Mbu