David Beckham could claim to be the most influential figure in American soccer after his work with the LA Galaxy, the establishment of Inter Miami and bringing Lionel Messi to MLS.
The English soccer legend was key to bringing the Argentine superstar to Florida with Messi’s arrival last summer a turning point for MLS and how the league is portrayed around the world, with Inter Miami now the best team in the division.
Since signing Messi, the likes of Luis Suarez have since made the move to Chase Stadium with Inter Miami heading into the post-season as MLS Cup favorites and the leaders in the race for the Supporters’ Shield.
And Beckham has now shared what impact Messi could have on soccer in America.
Messi joining Inter Miami a moment that can change soccer’s trajectory
Speaking on Hot Ones, Beckham noted how Messi’s decision to join Inter Miami will go down as a moment that will change soccer for ever in the United States and one that could inspire the next generation to take up the sport.
With MLS as popular as it’s ever been with Messi the star of the show for the league, tapping into the younger demographic will be key for soccer to grow into something big in America, and the Argentine is leading the charge for a new generation.
Beckham said on Messi’s impact on soccer in America: “It’s a gift in the sense of, I want to inspire the next generation of young kids that are playing in this country, because at some point, the U.S. will win the World Cup, and it needs moments like this where you bring someone of Leo’s magnitude.
“He’s good on the field, he’s good off the field. He’s the perfect professional. And so if you bring someone like that then all of these young kids that are watching throughout America, going to watch him in their stadiums, in their city, get inspired, and that’s really what we wanted to do.”
Messi will usher in a new era of soccer in America
Messi has fundamentally changed soccer in America just 12 months after joining Inter Miami, and the best is yet to come for the sport in the United States.
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup two years away, Messi can help building on MLS’s growing reputation by helping other big-name players making the move to America to further increase the reach and prestige of the league.
And with Messi loving life in Florida, Inter Miami themselves could see more superstar names make the move in the years to come, with the Herons the most lucrative club in MLS right now.