Lionel Messi has shared that David Beckham still participates in training sessions at Inter Miami.
David Beckham, the former England captain, retired from professional football in 2013 after a successful career with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Milan, PSG, and LA Galaxy in MLS.
Beckham has been a co-owner of Inter Miami since 2014, when he exercised his option to purchase an expansion team franchise.
Messi`s arrival in Miami in 2023 significantly boosted the club`s popularity. His team, which includes former Barcelona players Luis Suarez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba, controversially gained entry to the expanded FIFA Club World Cup this summer.
Messi, 37, expressed his continued admiration for Beckham.
Messi stated, “Honestly, David is a truly impressive and spectacular person.”
“Although he is not always here, whenever he is in Miami, he visits us for a few days.”
“We have also stayed in touch outside of the club and spent time together when he is in Miami.”
Messi added, “He is very down-to-earth, humble, and approachable. He is genuinely a great person.”
“It feels unusual to see him in a non-playing role, given his past as a player and his current role representing the club.”
“But he still feels like a player because he comes to the training ground and joins us on the field.”
“He likes to be involved with the ball, participate in training sessions, and be close to us.”
“He makes an effort to do this when he is here, and what stands out most is his simplicity and approachability.”
“I didn`t know him personally before and had no specific expectations, but I`ve been pleasantly surprised by his personality.”
Messi`s arrival has had an immediate positive effect on Inter Miami, both on and off the field.
He scored 10 goals in Miami`s Concacaf Leagues Cup victory shortly after joining.
The team also achieved the best regular-season record in MLS last year, earning the Supporters` Shield, but were defeated by Atlanta United in the first round of playoffs.
