Inter Miami owner David Beckham is delighted that he has been able to bring Lionel Messi to his club.
Inter Miami have officially confirmed the signing of the Argentina captain after he opted to move to the MLS side following his exit from Paris Saint-Germain.
Beckham has described the transfer as a “dream come true” in a post on social media.
Beckham wrote on Instagram: “The next chapter of our story starts here. Ten years ago when I started this journey, I dreamt of bringing the greatest players in the world to Miami… Players who shared the ambition I had when I joined LA Galaxy to help grow football in this country and build a legacy in this sport that we love so much.
“Today (Saturday) that dream came true. I couldn’t be prouder that a player of Leo’s calibre is joining our club but I’m also delighted to welcome a friend, an amazing person and his beautiful family to join our Inter Miami community.”
Messi also sounded happy to make the move.
“I’m very excited to start this next step in my career with Inter Miami and in the United States,” he said.
“This is a fantastic opportunity and together we will continue to build this beautiful project. The idea is to work together to achieve the objectives we set, and I’m very eager to start helping here in my new home.”
On the field though Inter Miami are struggling badly.
Hours after the contract with Messi was announced, the team’s winless streak reached 11 with a 3-0 loss to St Louis City in Gerardo Martino’s debut as coach.
Phil Neville was fired as Miami’s coach on June 1 after two and a half seasons. Martino, who coached Messi with Barcelona and Argentina’s national team, was hired on June 28.
Messi was to be introduced on Sunday night as Miami’s stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Miami have not won since May 13.
Samuel Adeniran and Tim Parker scored first-half goals for St Louis. Adeniran scored his third goal of the season, off a pass from Indiana Vassilev, St Louis went ahead the 28th minute. Parker scored his third goal of the season in the 40th minute from Aziel Jackson’s assist.
When the league returns to action on August 20, Inter Miami will host Charlotte.
Written with inputs from AP/PTI
