WATCH: Messi welcomed to Inter Miami by Beckham in unique style

Robin Bairner

• 15 Jul 2023 19:23 BST
• 3 min read

Lionel Messi’s imminent arrival at Inter Miami continues to generate a good deal of excitement.

Messi has not been announced as a player for the MLS club yet, but the Florida side are not playing down the fact that the 35-year-old seven-time Ballon d’Or winner will soon hook up with the squad after leaving PSG following the expiration of a two-year deal in Paris.

Indeed, the image of the Barcelona legend has already been spotted in the official club store and it is still expected that Messi will make his debut for the struggling MLS outfit later this month.

MORE: Chelsea star SLAMMED for picking Milan over following Messi to MLS

Co-owner David Beckham is clearly delighted with the capture of the player and looked more than a little content when showing off a new mural of the superstar in Miami’s Wynwood district, which is known for its artwork.

Wearing an Inter Miami cap, the Manchester United and Real Madrid legend was caught on camera staring up at the new image of Messi on the side of a building. After taking a prolonged look at the artwork, Beckham posed under the likeness of Messi with his arms outstretched and a smile on his face. It was the look of a man who knows he has accomplished something huge.

MORE: ‘The appeal is real’ – Neymar tipped to follow Messi to MLS

Messi's Inter Miami challenge

Messi, meanwhile, faces a huge task to turn Inter Miami’s season around when he does finally join the team.

The franchise sits bottom of the MLS Eastern Conference, eight points off a possible playoff berth, and is presently on a winless streak that is 10 matches long, dating back to a 2-1 success over New England on 14 May.

Miami are presently on a three-match draw streak, with a 2-2 tie against DC United recorded at the weekend.

Messi’s first season in MLS may, however, end with silverware. Inter Miami are in the US Open Cup semi-finals, in which they will face Cincinnati on 24 August – by which time the Argentine should be well established in their ranks.