Inter Miami has only existed for five and a half years, it was founded in January 2018, and much earlier work began on the first real project of this club - the Lionel Messi project.
One of the owners of the club from Florida is the legendary David Beckham, it was he who played a crucial role in the Argentinian's decision to go to the American MLS league at the height of his fame, just a few months after he won the "goddess" at the World Cup in Qatar.
For a long time, Inter worked to become famous on the world market, now it doesn't have to worry about that because the team has one of the best football players in history...
- I remember being at dinner with co-owner Jorge Masa. It was a long time ago. I told him that one day we should bring Messi to the club. I think it was our first private conversation, it happened over a glass of wine - Beckham told "Atletik".
The Englishman was so convinced that the coming of the Messiah would happen sooner or later.
- While Jorge and I were talking, I found on my phone a photo of a potential emblem of our club, which did not even exist at the time. We made a photomontage, and the jersey was worn by Messi. Ten years have passed since then, which shows that Leo was always on our minds. We were both determined that Messi is the best name for the club and the market - added Beckham.
Years passed, Beckham progressed in his intention, so he visited Messi while he was still playing in Barcelona.
- No one knew we were coming from London to Barcelona. We reached the hotel where Leo's father, Jorge, was staying. I told him: 'We want your son to play for our club one day. We know it's early, but one day it could happen'. And Jorge had an important role in everything, because he started talking publicly about what Leo could do for soccer in the USA, for the MLS league and Inter Miami itself - recalls Beckham.
This was followed by conversations with the player himself.
- I think he quickly understood that we are a serious and long-term project, he wanted to be a part of it. The fact that we brought Messi just a few months after he won the World Cup is the devil's work for all of us - said Beckham.
Messi also had an offer from Barcelona when it became clear that he would not stay at Paris Saint-Germain, it was speculated that he could continue his career in Saudi Arabia...
- I will never forget the feeling when my phone rang and I was told that Leo chose Inter. I felt like I was on the pitch of 'Old Trafford' or 'Wembley'. I was in Japan with my family, my phone rang at five in the morning and my wife Victoria was saying, 'Turn it off.' I understood, however, that something was important and called - I had something to hear. They told me that Messi announced that he was going to Inter Miami. Even now I get goosebumps talking about it. Suddenly everything made sense, all our efforts to create a club and jump over obstacles and challenges paid off. That moment, when we found out that Messi was really coming, changed everything. Since he signed, every morning I come to work at 7.30:XNUMX to see if Leo is really there - concluded Beckham.
Inter Miami played its first game in MLS in March 2020 and did not make a name for itself in the first three seasons in the elite rank - it was 19th, 20th, then 12th in the table. He is currently last in the Eastern Conference - in 22 rounds he won only 18 points. Seven days ago, Messi made his debut with a goal against Cruz Azul, and then he was a double scorer in the duel with Atlanta United. The beginning is great, although no one doubted it...
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