It’s been well over one year since Lionel Messi signed for Inter Miami, and it’s safe to say that the transfer has transformed soccer in America in a big way.
The sport is as popular as it has ever been with the United States set to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup alongside Canada and Mexico, with Messi now the hottest ticket in all of sports with Inter Miami a must-see team.
The Herons have been the best side in MLS this year with Tata Martino’s squad on a quest to break the regular season MLS record, an achievement that’s been possible even with Messi missing three months of action due to international commitments and injury.
And co-owner David Beckham has now shared the main reason Messi wanted to join Inter Miami.
Florida a key reason why Messi signed for Inter Miami
Speaking to the press at the Stella Artois’ ‘Let’s Do Dinner’ event, Beckham revealed that the prospect of living in Florida and settling down with his family was a big reason why Messi decided to sign for Inter Miami.
The Argentine international was subject to a world-record $1.5bn contract offer from Saudi Arabia last summer, yet Messi turned down this proposal to join Inter Miami, where the forward has since welcomed former FC Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets, Luis Suarez and Jordi Alba.
And the decision has paid off big time for Inter Miami and MLS, with the Herons one of the most recognizable soccer clubs in the world and now on course to win a domestic double with the Supporters’ Shield and MLS Cup.
Beckham said: “All he was interested in is a place where his family could come enjoy and have a great life. That was really important for Leo. I mean, from day one, from the moment he put his foot down in Miami, it’s been a dream, honestly.”
Messi made the right decision to join the Herons last year
Messi might not be the sole reason this year why Inter Miami have been as good as they are, but it’s clear that the former PSG and Barcelona superstar is happy with his decision to move to Florida in 2023.
At 37-years-old, the Argentine is in the final years of his career having won an eighth Ballon d’Or last year, an award Messi wasn’t even nominated for this time around for the first time in over 20 years.
Despite missing out on an ungodly amount of money in Saudi Arabia, the lifestyle in Miami and America clearly suits Messi better, with the veteran attacker making the right call to head to MLS for the sake of his family.