The last few years for David Beckham’s Inter Miami franchise have been exciting, but things could get even better for the former Manchester United ace
David Beckham has transformed his Inter Miami team from Major League Soccer whipping boys to a star-studded powerhouse, boasting the likes of Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.
It’s not too long ago that the Florida-based team was leaking goals under the stewardship of Beckham’s ex-Manchester United team-mate Phil Neville. Things all changed with Messi’s arrival in 2023, which turned a game at the Chase Stadium into one of the hottest tickets in the US.
Joining Messi were his former Barcelona team-mates Suarez, Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner may not be as fast as he once was, but he has still contributed many moments of magic for Beckham’s franchise.
Yet, if all goes according to plan, more of Beckham’s Miami dreams could soon become reality. Mirror Football examines the former England skipper’s ideal scenario.
Lionel Messi extends contract
Many assumed Messi’s stint at Inter Miami would be short and sweet. While his contract expires at the end of the year, there’s no indication that the Argentine is planning to hang up his boots just yet.
Suddenly, the 2026 World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico is only a year and a half away, and the potential of Messi defending his country’s title is now realistic. His 2022 World Cup victory wasn’t the final chapter of his international career with Argentina, as many expected, as he also clinched a second Copa America title just a year later.
With Messi pondering a potential sixth World Cup finals appearance, he could be set to become the poster boy of the tournament. In an ESPN interview in June 2024, Messi said: “As of today, I think it’s going to be my last club. I’m not ready to leave football either.
“I love playing football. I enjoy the training, every day of the matches. [I am] a little afraid that everything will end. That’s why I enjoy everything much more, because I’m aware that there’s less and less to go and I have a good time at the club. I enjoy the little details that I know I’m going to miss when I don’t play any more.”
Messi’s current stint with Miami is due to end on December 31, 2025. Should he wish to lead Argentina in next year’s World Cup, he’d need to secure a new deal with Miami soon.
Given Messi’s massive impact both on the pitch and off it, plus Beckham’s evident admiration, it seems improbable that the former LA Galaxy star would not propose an extension.
MSN reunite
Neymar is earning an eye-popping salary in Saudi Arabia, but a reunion with Messi and Suarez could be priceless. His stay with Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League has been filled with many untaxed millions, but injuries have reduced him to only seven appearances.
The Brazilian superstar recently hinted that he would relish a reunion with his ex-Barcelona friends, telling CNN: “Obviously, playing again with Messi and Suarez would be incredible. They are my friends, we still speak to each other. It would be interesting to revive this trio. I’m happy at Al-Hilal, I’m happy in Saudi Arabia, but who knows. Football is full of surprises.”
Even though Neymar is just 32, recurring injuries have likely taken many years of his career. If he decides that his adventure in Saudi Arabia has run its course, the next chapter could well be his swan song.
Standing at a pivotal juncture, the idea of rekindling the magic on the pitch with Messi and Suarez over in Miami could prove too tempting to pass up. However, Neymar’s likely contract demands mean the prospect will likely remain just a dream due to the MLS’s strict salary cap rules.
Sergio Ramos reunites with Beckham
Beckham knows all about Sergio Ramos having played alongside him at Real Madrid. As well as still being in top shape, Ramos would also bring tremendous leadership skills to the Chase Stadium.
However, after ending ties with Sevilla last summer, the legendary centre-back is still a free agent. Despite playing alongside Cristiano Ronaldo for the majority of his career, Ramos recently said that he thinks Messi was a better player.
The former Paris Saint-Germain star opened up about his past battles with the Argentine, admitting: “There was suffering for several years playing against Messi. I am now enjoying him. He is the best player football has ever produced.”
Miami already has a star-laden frontline, so an experienced central defender would likely be of good use for Beckham. Considering Ramos is a free agent, it may not need too much convincing to bring him over to Florida.
Again, though, MLS’s salary cap could prevent this deal from happening, especially since Messi, Suarez, Alba and Busquets are already on big-money deals.
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Lionel Messi has made an instant impact in the MLS since his move to Inter Miami. Helping the club to cup glory and firing them up the table, Messi is once again the most talked about player in the game and now you can get the stylish Adidas made Inter Miami home and away shirt.