David Beckham attends Inter Miami training ahead of Lionel Messi’s unveiling
David Beckham attends Inter Miami training ahead of Lionel Messi’s blockbuster unveiling this weekend as co-owner hopes the Argentina superstar can save his team’s season
David Beckham was at Inter Miami’s training session on Wednesday as he gets ready to welcome soccer superstar Lionel Messi.
The Miami co-owner has pulled off a massive coup in getting the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner to his team and the World Cup winner is set to finally be unveiled as a Miami player on Sunday.
Messi declared his intention to move to the team last month after turning down the lucrative option of a move to Saudi Arabia and seeing a Barcelona return become unfeasible.
The Argentine landed in Miami on Tuesday with MLS fans salivating at the prospect of the star lighting up the league in a matter of weeks.
And on Wednesday Beckham, who helped transform American soccer when he moved to Los Angeles Galaxy in 2007, was seen at Tata Martino’s practice.
The England and Manchester United legend watched on as Messi’s future teammates were put through their paces.
He also could not help himself from juggling a ball and spraying a few passes on the slick field.
Messi is expected to sign a two-and-a-half year contract with Miami, and the deal is set to include an option for another season with the team.
Beckham’s Miami co-owner, Jorge Mas, says Messi will earn between $50million and $60million a year, with money contributed from adidas via Miami shirt sales and Apple TV, who own subscription rights to MLS.
The 36-year-old has been on vacation in the Caribbean with his wife Antonela and their three sons.
The family were pictured at Miami airport on Tuesday afternoon, while Miami fans gathered outside the team’s DRV PNK Stadium in celebration at the landmark move.
Messi will be officially unveiled by Miami on Sunday night and is expected to play his first game on Thursday, July 21 against Cruz Azul in the Leagues Cup.