Lionel Messi has arrived in Miami, his club soccer base, as Argentina continue their World Cup journey against Cape Verde in the last-32 clash on Friday.
David Beckham didn’t just sign Lionel Messi for his influence on the pitch (Image: Kevork Djansezian/Getty Images)
For David Beckham, this was an opportunity he couldn’t pass up. He played an important role in its creation. Lionel Messi shines a bright light on the streets of Miami.
Only this time, Beckham will be playing for Argentina at the World Cup instead of playing for Inter Miami, of which he is a co-owner. When Inter Miami decided to take the financial plunge and sign Messi from Paris Saint-Germain in 2023, it promised to be a game-changer.
And so it turned out. Inter’s merchandise sales have skyrocketed, with attendance up almost 40% and continuing to rise higher than ever. Because of Messi.
Until his arrival, Inter had never won a trophy. They have now won two, including the MLS title. From one of the league’s newest franchises to a champion. Because of Messi.
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Inter were able to sign other superstars, including Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. Because of Messi.
But the power of the soccer icon goes far beyond his performance on the field at the new stadium. His influence can be seen throughout this part of Florida.
At academies across Miami, the number of young people abandoning baseball and basketball for soccer has increased tenfold. Murals of some of football’s most famous figures adorn the walls of the Wynwood and Latino neighborhoods.
Step aside, LeBron James. Beckham himself was hoisted up by a giant crane to honor the giant crane created by renowned artist Maximiliano Bagnasco.
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The love for Lionel Messi in Miami is real
Murals can be seen all over the city
Hundreds of fans flock to Messi’s secluded Miami residence on the grounds of Bay Colony every day to see him. And while Beckham holds one of the golden tickets to Argentina’s last-32 showdown with Cape Verde, those who don’t will also flock to the Miami Stadium to catch a glimpse of their idol.
Additional police are expected to be called in to deal with the disturbance. Because of Messi.
At Buenos Aires Bakery, an Argentinian restaurant near South Beach, owners have begun charging a £10 entry fee with a £15 minimum spend to capitalize on increased demand for tables. Because of Messi.
Messi also owns his own restaurant. Amalfi Rama on Biscayne Boulevard in north Miami has a dish named after him, Miramessi. Steak is often on the restaurant’s menu, which is fully booked months in advance. It’s clearly Messi’s fault.
Lionel Messi and David Beckham lifted multiple trophies together (Image: CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)
People of Argentinian descent who currently live in Miami believe that Messi’s arrival in the area changed the culture. “He makes us all feel a little bit closer to home. He makes people feel defeated about their lives,” resident Donatella Diaz said.
“He may be an icon, but he is also an example of how hard work can transform your time on this earth.”
Miami, like the soccer world in general, has changed. Because of Messi.
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