Page 10 - Soccer360 - Issue 103
P. 10
“NOBODY KNEW HOW TO MAKE THE IMPOSSIBLE HAPPEN IN THE NORTH AMERICAN SOCCER LANDSCAPE QUITE LIKE INTER MIAMI CO-OWNER, DAVID BECKHAM”
DID YOU KNOW?
Inter Miami owners percentage is split among the Mas Brothers with 37.5% stake and David Beckham the former soccer player has 30% stake.
Soccer, and his decision is a testament to the momentum and energy behind our League and our sport in North America,” MLS Commissioner Don Garber said in a statement. “We have no doubt
that Lionel will show the world that MLS can be a league of choice for the best players in the game.” Messi’s deal isn’t just about the money though, as he will also have an option to become a part-owner of Inter Miami as well when he is finished playing. On top of that, his contract also involved a revenue- sharing agreement with Apple and Adidas. It is an unprecedented deal for a player like none other. “I’m very excited to start this next step in my career with Inter Miami and in the United States,” Messi said in a statement. “This is a fantastic opportunity and together we will continue to build this beautiful project. The idea is to work together to achieve
the objectives we set, and I’m very eager to start helping here in my new home.”
American soccer analysts were quick to point
out that this could be the toughest challenge the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner has ever faced.
He was arriving to a club that was sitting at the very bottom of the MLS table, with just 18 points from 22 games played. It was a side that was in
a shambles and many questioned whether Messi would have the patience to play in a league that couldn’t quite match the standard that he was used to playing at.
However, it didn’t take long for the superstar to make an impact. His debut came off the bench in
a Leagues Cup game against Mexican side Cruz Azul with the game level at 1-1. Messi had the eyes of the world on him when he lined up to take a
free kick just outside the box in the 94th minute. Like fans had seen so many times in the past
Inter Miami CF fans hold a banner showing Lionel Messi before the 2023 Leagues Cup final between Nashville SC and Inter Miami
10 SOCCER360 MAGAZINE
It remains to be seen whether David Beckham’s impact on MLS has been greater on the pitch or off it after his club was able to secure the greatest player of a generation.
2023 MLS SEASON FOCUS