Beckham watching Messi around the clock at Inter Miami

Stuart Telford

• 23 Nov 2023 16:53 GMT
• 3 min read

David Beckham has admitted he keeps a close eye on Lionel Messi at Inter Miami - but it has nothing to do with recent speculation that the Argentine might return to Europe on loan.

Inter co-owner Beckham pulled off a major coup when he signed Messi on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain in July, beating the legend's former club Barcelona and potential Saudi Pro League suitors to his signature.

Messi hit the ground running in Florida, with 11 goals and five assists in 14 games, which included firing the Herons to the inaugural Leagues Cup in August.

But with Inter failing to qualify for the MLS Play Offs, Messi was linked with a return to Europe on loan with the regular season not starting again until February. Messi quickly denied such reports, and Beckham watches him train simply because he's a fan.

Beckham: 'I can't believe we have Messi'

"Firstly, I wanted to be in before Leo to show him I was there and the commitment I have to the team and the club," Beckham explained to The Times' Matt Dickinson of his decision to beat the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner - and indeed anybody else - into training.

"But it was also important for me to enjoy this moment after all the hard work. I wanted to see him come in, see him go about everything he does so professionally, setting an example to all the young kids here. He is a superstar, but the most humble superstar. And I just love to watch him train.

"…I see him in our kit, I watch him train and play, and I can't believe that we have Lionel Messi in our club."

Messi was joined by former Barca teammates Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba in the summer, and more are set to follow, with Luis Suarez the latest to be linked with a move to the DRV PNK Stadium.