Why Lionel Messi Decided to Join Inter Miami in MLS: David Beckham Explains

• Eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi made headlines worldwide by signing for Inter Miami as a free agent in 2023
• The Argentine maestro brought an end to his 20-year tenure in European football, having helped win four European Cups
• Now, club owner David Beckham has shared the reasons behind the 37-year-old's decision to further his career in the US

Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham has explained the reasons behind Lionel Messi's decision to join the Herons last summer, a major milestone for the MLS side.

Despite interest from Barcelona and Saudi Arabia, Messi opted for a fresh challenge in the US, marking his first move outside of European football in nearly two decades.

After 17 seasons at Barcelona and two at Paris Saint-Germain, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner quickly made his presence felt at Inter Miami.

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Following his decision not to renew with PSG, Messi was said to have carefully considered his next move before joining the MLS franchise.

Speaking at Stella Artois' Let's Go Dinner event in New York, via Goal, David Beckham explained why Messi ultimately chose to join Inter Miami.

"His main concern was finding a place where his family could thrive and enjoy life. That was incredibly important to Leo. From the very first moment he set foot in Miami, it has truly felt like a dream."

“To be able to say that we've signed the world's greatest ever player to ever play the game. Everybody's got their opinion on who they think is the best player of all time - whether it be Diego Maradona, Pele, all of these great players."

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The Manchester United legend added how it was a 'dream' that one of the best players in the game's history played for the Herons.

“To say that we have in the MLS, in Miami, the greatest player to play the game, it's just like a dream, you know? It's a dream every time that I'm there.

"If I spend the entire summer there, like I did for four weeks this year, I train every single day because, first of all, I can hardly believe we have Leo. Secondly, I just want to observe his skills. It's truly a special experience for us."

Messi found immediate success with his new team, guiding them to their first-ever title in the 2023 Leagues Cup.

How Messi has fared in Inter Miami

In 32 appearances across all competitions, Messi has tallied 27 goals and 17 assists, including 16 goals and 12 assists in just 18 matches this season, per Transfermarkt.

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He missed two months of play following an ankle injury sustained after the 2024 Copa America final, only making his return last week.

Inter Miami, now eight points clear at the top of the Eastern Conference after 30 games, are on course to claim their first-ever league title.

David Beckham picks Lionel Messi As GOAT

YEN.com.gh reported earlier Beckham named Messi the greatest of all time once again, while snubbing Cristiano Ronaldo in his top three.

A debate on who the greatest footballer of all time is has raged for decades, with fans also considering the late icons Diego Maradona and Pele.

Source: YEN.com.gh