Inter Miami president and co-owner David Beckham has shed light on Lionel Messi’s future following the Herons’ recent maiden victory in the Major League Soccer (MLS) Cup.
Messi’s side became the 2025 MLS Cup champions after defeating Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in the MLS Cup final at Chase Stadium in Florida earlier on Saturday, Dec. 6. The Herons bagged the opener after Édier Ocampo put the ball into his own net at almost eight minutes. They relied on a goal each from Rodrigo De Paul and Tadeo Allende later on to secure the trophy.
David Beckham Reveals the Potential Future of Lionel Messi
During a recent interview with Argentine journalist Pablo Giralt, Beckham was asked to provide insight into Messi’s future in Miami. He revealed that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner is unwilling to stay in Miami after his retirement.
“I signed the best player of all time. I told him I’d like him to live in Miami when he retires, but he said he only thinks about living near the Camp Nou. No player loves Barcelona as much as he does,” the former Manchester United and Real Madrid star replied to Giralt.
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Messi, 38, decided to extend his Miami deal until December 2028 earlier this October. However, speculation is rife that Messi, who was with Barcelona from 2000 to 2021, could opt to retire after the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Beckham Hails Lionel Messi After MLS Cup Win
After the final whistle of Saturday’s MLS Cup final, Beckham shared his thoughts on Miami’s first-ever MLS Cup glory. He asserted Messi was integral to his team’s success in the final third on Saturday.
Bekham said, “All the emotion came out in the final few minutes of the game. All credit to Vancouver, they played a great game and put us under a lot of pressure. And after their goal, they were on top of us.”
“But there was a change, and when you give the ball to Leo, he creates chances. The team stuck together, and they have done that all year,” the England legend added.
Opining on his experience of guiding Miami to an MLS Cup victory in six years, the former Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) ace remarked:
“There was a lot of sleepless nights. I always believed in Miami and bringing a team here. And I found the right partners. Freedom to dream. We always promised our fans we would bring the best players and bring success. Next year is a new year and we will go again. But tonight we celebrate.”
Under Beckham’s ownership, Miami has won a total of four trophies so far. The team’s domination only appears to be growing stronger.
