Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham has saluted Lionel Messi after the Argentine icon guided his side to Leagues Cup glory on Saturday (August 19).
Messi, 36, scored a sublime opener for the Herons, with a typical left-footed strike in the 23rd minute. Nashville equalized through Fafa Picault in the 57th minute as the two sides headed to a shootout.
The legendary forward converted the opening spot-kick of the shootout, which Inter Miami won 10-9. It was the first trophy the MLS club won in their short five-year history.
Beckham took to Instagram to thank Lionel Messi for helping his Herons side win the Leagues Cup. He posted an image of the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner and added:
"Gracias Leo."
Beckham was seen embracing Messi following Inter Miami's Leagues Cup triumph. The iconic attacker lit up the tournament with 10 goals and one assist in seven games. He finished as the competition's top goalscorer.
The Miami co-owner had glowing words for his new signing after the win. He said (via Albiceleste Talk):
“I’ve signed the greatest in football history, I’m so proud.”
Lionel Messi has become the most decorated player in football history with 44 trophies, won between 2004 to 2023. He has taken the United States by storm, which bodes well for Beckham's MLS club as they look to climb up the table from rock bottom.
David Beckham pictured alongside Inter Miami's new heroes Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba
Inter Miami fans have enjoyed a massive turnaround in form since Lionel Messi and his longtime teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba arrived at the DRV PNK Stadium.
The Herons have won every game the trio have played in as the Barcelona legends are flourishing in Gerardo Martino's side. David Beckham has overseen three of the biggest arrivals in MLS history.
The quartet were snapped by Inter Miami's media team following their Leagues Cup triumph. The photo shows Messi with his arm around Beckham while Busquets and Alba are also sitting alongside the iconic duo.
Beckham appeared to make it his goal this summer to reunite the Barca trio at DRV PNK.
He captioned an image of Alba's announcement picture:
"And the trio is complete."
Messi isn't the only one shining at Miami, as Busquets and Alba have also made an immediate impact. The former featured in all seven Leagues Cup games, pulling the strings in Martino's side's midfield.
Meanwhile, Alba joined Beckham's MLS franchise during the tournament. However, he has immediately broken into Martino's starting XI and scored one goal and provided two assists in five Leagues Cup games.