Revealed: Why Inter Miami Signed Messi – Beckham

David Beckham has provided insight into the decision of Inter Miami to sign Lionel Messi as well as the effects a remarkable trade has already had in Florida.

After his contract with Ligue 1 powerhouses Paris Saint-Germain expired, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner shocked the footballing world by revealing that he would be transferring to the Major League Soccer as a free agent.

READ ALSO: Top 10 Fun Facts About Lionel Messi

The Argentine superstar first seemed destined to stay in Barcelona, despite lucrative offers from the Middle East, but the 36-year-old is now getting ready to pursue his American dream.

The trade was facilitated by Manchester United icon Beckham, who told why he moved for Messi and how his phone has been ringing off the hook ever since a spectacular coup was made public.

Beckham told those at the ‘Lessons in Leadership’ seminar: “A couple of weeks ago, I woke up to about a million messages on my phone. I was thinking, ‘What’s gone off? I don’t usually get this many messages.’ All of a sudden, I hear Leo has come out and announced he’s coming to Miami. Obviously, it wasn’t a surprise to me.

“I have always said, from the word go, that if I had the opportunity to bring the best players in the game to Miami, at whatever time of their careers, I would do that. I have always made that commitment to our fans. So when I hear that one of the best players — if not the best player — who has won everything in the game, who is still a great player, still young and still doing what he’s doing, wants to play for my team, it’s a massive moment for us.”

Along with being a significant shareholder in Inter Miami, Beckham also shares ownership of Salford City with other United grads from the Class of ’92.

When asked in jest why Messi chose Miami over Greater Manchester, he responded, “Yes, I am a part-owner of Salford City. And Salford is a fantastic location. Argentina, meanwhile, is undoubtedly closer to Miami than Salford. I believe Leo felt quite the draw from that.

On July 21, Messi is anticipated to make his Inter Miami debut against Cruz Azul in a Leagues Cup match. A month later, Messi is scheduled to make his MLS debut against Charlotte FC at home.