Former Manchester United midfielder and current Inter Miami co-owner and president David Beckham admits Lionel Messi is the player that he enjoys watching perform the most as links with a move to Major League Soccer for the World Cup-winning captain persist.
Messi, 35, has just six months remaining on his current contract at French club Paris Saint-Germain and reports in Spain last month claimed that, despite previous reporting stating that the expectation was that an extension would be agreed to stay in the country's capital, doubts remain and the player continues to consider his options.
One such option, which has been much speculated about, is a potential move to MLS to sign for Beckham's franchise Miami, who are coached by Phil Neville. The Athletic reported last autumn that the Florida-based club were "increasingly confident" of signing the former Barcelona star.
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Despite the MLS season kicking off later this month, Inter Miami still have yet to fill the vacant designated player spot on their roster following the retirement of Gonzalo Higuain at the end of last season. Josef Martinez has since been signed on a free transfer after Atlanta United bought out the final year of the player's contract, but has not signed a designated player contract, which was the case while with their Eastern Conference contemporaries.
Mexico international Rodolfo Pizarro and former Wolverhampton Wanderers forward Leo Campana are the club's only two current designated players. Until that third spot is taken, the speculation surrounding Messi filling that void is only likely to continue, which is something that Beckham would no doubt 'love'.
“It has to be Messi,” Beckham told ESPN Argentina when asked during an interview to name who he most enjoys watching play. “I love Leo for many different reasons. I love him because he’s a great father. I love him because he’s a great personality, a character. He’s a great person.
“But I think what everybody loves about him is the way he plays the game. He plays the game with passion. He plays the game just free the way he plays. And I think this past World Cup again. I think the way he played for his team, for his country, and to win that World Cup was an incredible moment for him. And I love watching players like him.”
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