David Beckham and Lionel Messi achieved their dream on Saturday evening as Inter Miami claimed their maiden MLS Cup with a 3-1 triumph against Vancouver Whitecaps.
The Florida outfit took an early advantage when Vancouver’s Edier Ocampo put through his own net within eight minutes at Chase Stadium.
The Canadian side fought back to equalise through Ali Ahmed’s effort on the hour mark, putting the hosts under considerable pressure.
Messi then delivered a masterclass, threading a precise pass to compatriot Rodrigo De Paul in the 71st minute for the crucial second goal.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner completed his brace of assists deep into added time, setting up Tadeo Allende to seal the championship in style.
Beckham watched the historic victory unfold from the directors’ box alongside his wife Victoria, who attended in an elegant grey suit ensemble with matching waistcoat and trousers.
The couple’s sons Romeo and Cruz joined the celebrations, posing with the MLS Cup trophy on the pitch after the final whistle.
Brooklyn, however, was notably absent from the family gathering in Florida.
David Beckham and Lionel Messi achieved their dream on Saturday evening as Inter Miami claimed their maiden MLS Cup
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GETTY
Following the match, Beckham and Messi shared an emotional embrace on the turf as confetti cascaded down and fireworks illuminated the Miami sky.
“All the emotion came out in the final few minutes of the game,” Beckham reflected afterwards.
The former Manchester United midfielder praised his opponents, acknowledging: “All credit to Vancouver, they played a great game and put us under a lot of pressure.”
Beckham’s path to this crowning achievement began when he hung up his boots in 2013, with his MLS contract granting him the option to establish a franchise at a reduced price.
Inter Miami claimed their maiden MLS Cup with a 3-1 triumph against Vancouver Whitecaps
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REUTERS
The former England captain selected Miami as his destination, though the process proved lengthy and challenging.
The club was not officially established until January 2018, when Beckham joined forces with local businessmen Jorge Mas and Jose Mas, initially without even a stadium plan in place.
“I started this journey over 19 years ago and this was always my dream,” Beckham said. “My dream was to bring a club to this city and be successful and also to bring in the best player in the world.”
He added: “This night has been pretty surreal and I’ll cherish it forever.”
Messi’s arrival midway through the 2023 campaign transformed the club’s fortunes entirely.
The couple’s sons Romeo and Cruz joined the celebrations, posing with the MLS Cup trophy on the pitch after the final whistle
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GETTY
The Argentine maestro has amassed a remarkable 77 goals and 44 assists across 88 appearances during his two-and-a-half years in Florida.
This championship represents his 47th trophy for club and country, extending his own world record.
Saturday’s final marked the farewell match for Spanish veterans Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, both retiring as champions alongside their former Barcelona teammates.
Head coach Javier Mascherano, another ex-Barça colleague, was visibly overcome with emotion and was spotted embracing a tearful Alba on the pitch.
“He’s not just here to enjoy living in Miami,” Beckham said of Messi. “He’s come here to win, and that’s really what Leo is all about. Leo is a winner. It’s simple as that.”