David Beckham could well realise a dream that has been years in the making if he can secure the signature of Lionel Messi for his MLS franchise.
In many ways, it had been a week to forget for Inter Miami and all associated with the fledgling club after coach Phil Neville was dismissed from his job following after an alarming run of 10 losses in 15 games this season. A defeat against New York Red Bulls sealed the former Lionesses manager's fate, bringing to an end a mixed two year spell stateside.
For Beckham, the sacking of his friend and former teammate brought to an end a partnership which had been less fruitful than the one they enjoyed together at Manchester United during their playing career. The former Real Madrid superstar is seemingly in no mood to dwell, however, with Lionel Messi potentially set for a switch to South Beach.
It had previously appeared that the Argentinian icon was destined for a move to Saudi Arabia to join Al-Hilal, where he would face off against perennial rival Cristiano Ronaldo. A switch to rejoin former club Barcelona, where he spent the vast majority of his career had also been heavily mooted.
However, journalist Sebastián Quadrelli has since taken to Twitter to suggest that an emotional move back to the Camp Nou is 'far from' a switch to Xavi Hernandez's side. On top of this revelation, fellow reporter Veronica Brunati quoted this tweet, adding that Inter Miami are 'very optimistic' about their chances of closing a deal.
Suddenly, despite the Herons' on-pitch woes in recent times, it looks as though things may be on the up for the MLS franchise after all, as the owners of the Florida outfit ramp up their ambitions. Below, Mirror Sport has put together a line-up of stars Inter Miami have already signed since their establishment back in 2020, alongside Beckham's dream signing Messi...
Goalkeeper
Drake Callender: The American goalkeeper has been with Inter Miami since the franchise's inception three years ago and has risen to become the club's first-choice stopper in the time since. He has made 40 appearances in the MLS in all.
Defence
DeAndre Yedlin: The former Tottenham and Newcastle full-back was surprisingly not a Designated Player signing when he arrived in February last year. Brought in from Turkish giants Galatasaray, he has gone on to play 49 times for the Herons.
Ryan Shawcross: The Stoke City legend called time on his 14-year stretch with the Potters back in 2021 in order to move across the Atlantic. The former Premier League stalwart played 12 times for Inter Miami before retiring in January 2022.
Who do you think was David Beckham's best signing to-date at Inter Miami? Have your say in the comments...
Nicholas Figal: The Argentinian center-back played over 80 times for boyhood club Independiente, before Inter Miami swooped in 2020. He spent two years in Florida before joining the legendary Boca Juniors.
Kieran Gibbs: The Former Arsenal and England left-back played over 300 games in England's top two divisions, before joining Inter Miami back in 2021 from West Brom. The 10-time international played 28 times for the franchise before joining the club's media team.
Midfield
Gregore: Current club captain Gregore arrived at Inter Miami with real pedigree, having played over 100 times in Brazil's top division Serie A. He was named the Herons' MVP for 2021 and has made 59 appearances in all.
Blaise Matuidi: A true superstar in his own right, Blaise Matuidi had a glittering career, winning seven league titles in two countries and the World Cup in 2018 with France. The former PSG and Juventus man arrived in Florida to heavy fanfare back in 2020 and made 48 appearances in all.
Rodolfo Pizarro: The 37-time Mexico international arrived at Inter Miami after a protracted transfer saga from Monterrey back in 2020. A designated player, he was nominated for the Landon Donovan MVP award in his final season before rejoining his old club on loan.
Attack
Lionel Messi: Perhaps the greatest footballer to ever play the game, the Argentinian has won 43 trophies including four Champions Leagues and the World Cup. With 715 goals during his career, the signing of the iconic forward would be the ultimate coup for Inter Miami.
Gonzalo Higuain: Signing Messi's compatriot was a true statement of intent for Beckham and his partners, arriving having won three league titles in both Spain and Italy. The former Real Madrid, Juventus, and Napoli man arrived in Florida in 2020 and finished off a glittering career with 29 goals in 67 MLS outings.
Josef Martinez: The 68-time Venezuela star scored 111 times for Atlanta United, even winning the 2022 MLS Goal of the Year before his move to Inter Miami at the turn of the year. So far he has three goals in 14 MLS appearances for his new employers.
