David Beckham responds to Lionel Messi ‘fix’ claims, as he says critics are paying Inter Miami ‘the biggest compliment anyone can give’ by suggesting his superb form is scripted
David Beckham responds to Lionel Messi ‘fix’ claims, as he says critics are paying Inter Miami ‘the biggest compliment anyone can give’ by suggesting his superb form is scripted
David Beckham has insisted that people suggesting Inter Miami’s recent wins are a ‘fix’ are paying them the ‘biggest compliment that anyone can give’.
Inter Miami came from two goals down to beat FC Cincinnati on penalties to reach the US Open Cup final – after Lionel Messi provided a stunning assist in the 97th minute to take the game to extra-time.
It comes just days after the former Barcelona trio of Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, helped Beckham’s franchise to their first ever trophy, winning the Leagues Cup after beating SC Nashville on penalties.
After their victory over Nashville on Saturday, Beckham responded to ‘fix’ claims when a reporter stated their recent matches almost appeared to be scripted.
Beckham said: ‘Every time Leo [Messi] scores one of these goals, every time Busi [Sergio Busquets] makes one of these passes, every time Jordi [Alba] makes one of these runs, people say ‘Is it a fix?’
Lionel Messi inspired the MLS side to a comeback win against FC Cincinnati to help them reach the US Open Cup final
It comes just days after Beckham’s side beat Nashville to win the Leagues Cup final
‘It’s the biggest compliment that anyone can give these players because it is like a movie.
‘You watch these players play and it’s emotional because everything about their play is beautiful. Everything about their mannerisms is beautiful and everything about them as individuals, off the pitch, is beautiful.’
What followed on Wednesda night was another stunning win – inspired by Messi who has taken America by storm since leaving PSG for the team that are bottom of the MLS.
Cincinnati took a 2-0 lead after 53 minutes thanks to goals from Luciano Acosta and Brandon Vazquez.
Leonardo Campana got one back on the 68th minute, before he scored a stunning equaliser in the seventh minute of stoppage time after a sublime ball from Messi for his team-mate to head in.
Miami took the lead for the first time when Josef Martínez scored three minutes into the first extra period, but Cincinnati equalized when Yuya Kubo scored in the 114th minute, forcing penalties.
Messi scored the first penalty as Inter Miami took a 5-4 penalty shootout victory over their opponents.
After the match, Beckham wrote on social media: ‘Another great night in pink. A great performance from the team to reach another final. Very proud.’
