David Beckham’s American dream came true on Friday night when Lionel Messi – arguably the greatest footballer of all time – lined up for his side Inter Miami.
Initially condemned by European football for making the move to Los Angeles Galaxy as a 31-year-old despite tempting offers from the world’s biggest clubs, the son of East London Leytonstone – a hairdresser and a kitchen fitter – has now made something bigger than he could have imagined.
A dream 16 years after a controversial move to a widely derided league back on the radar of few Americans in 2007, Beckham and wife Victoria have now transcended soccer in the United States to become celebrity staples.
With the help of Messi, who has been called the greatest sports signing of all time – not for the footballing prowess of an aging Argentine, but for the image of his name – the two can now push soccer to the brink in America.
As part of the deal, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid great offered Messi the unparalleled glamor of an American dream he knows all too well. David and Victoria have built a glamorous life for themselves, including a $23 million Miami penthouse, and an abundance of celebrity friends.
Victoria and David Beckham embrace after Lionel Messi’s appearance at Inter Miami.
Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi (10) celebrates after scoring a goal against Cruz Azul during the second half at DRV PNK Stadium
David, Victoria and Harper Beckham are pictured before the match with the Kardashians
As part of his deal to sign with the LA Galaxy in 2007, Beckham was given the option to buy an MLS franchise for a fixed rate of $25 million after hanging up his boots.
Knowing the possibilities offered to him, the only question was which position he would choose.
But the decision proved rather simple: Miami. The city has a deep passion for football but is also known for its love of the high life and Beckham, a big name and suited to luxurious surroundings, fit in perfectly.
David and Victoria uprooted their families and set up base in the Florida city.
Just two years ago, the family bought a Miami penthouse for $23 million. The apartment in the One Thousand Museum building was designed by the late architect Zaha Hadid.
In addition to the extravagant property’s five bedrooms, it also comes with a luxury swimming pool and even its own rooftop helipad. The 62-story building is 215 meters (705 ft) tall, and is one of the tallest buildings in the city.
Already with homes in London and the Cotswolds, the Beckhams chose to plant roots in Florida as David set up his football empire.
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham breaks down in tears after Lionel Messi scores stoppage-time winner on new signing’s debut
During the unveiling, owners Jorge Mas, Jose R. Lionel Messi poses with Inter Miami in a club shirt with Mas and David Beckham
Sibling Love: Harper was hilarious as she watched the game but Cruz became increasingly invested
The A-list audience included the likes of Los Angeles Lakers player LeBron James
Lionel Messi led his US soccer team Inter Miami to victory in front of stars including Kim Kardashian.
David Beckham and LeBron James attend American Express Presents Carbon at Carbon Beach on May 06, 2022 in Miami Beach, Florida.
Just a few miles down the road last year, Beckham’s eldest son Brooklyn, 24, married wife Nicola Peltz, 28, at his billionaire father’s home in Palm Beach.
The Beckhams have made sure the rest of their children have close ties to the city. Their other children Harper, 12, and Cruz, 18, have spent considerable time in the area, including the family’s multi-million dollar yacht.
Romeo Beckham was even on the books at Inter Miami before moving to the youth setup of Premier League club Brentford.
But amid all the glitz and glamour, the power couple still stirs up the area as they go about their daily lives: trips from the weekly shop at Trader Joe’s to their favorite lunch spots.
A mainstay of Beckham’s Florida life is Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop, an inexpensive Cuban sandwich shop where it’s hard to spend more than $10.
Leidys Pla, whose family owns the outlet, told The Sun: ‘He has a bit of coffee – he likes Costa Rican coffee and likes pork or Cubano sandwiches.
‘She’s always so nice and anyone takes pictures with them.’
The outlet recently posted a photo of Beckham on social media, captioning it: ‘Family reunion’.
Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop recently posted a photo of Beckham on social media, captioning it: ‘Family reunion’
David Beckham was spotted doing some solo grocery shopping at Trader Joe’s in Miami
A typical view of the One Thousand Museum building in Miami where the Beckhams reportedly live
David and Victoria Beckham are relaxing on their luxury yacht in Miami
But in Miami life, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for all
To top off the celebrations after Messi’s appearance for the team on Friday, Victoria and David performed Spice Girl’s hit You’ll Be There for friends in Miami.
Famous names like basketball player LeBron James, tennis star Serena Williams and TV personality Kim Kardashian, all attended the match.
In a social media post on Sunday, Victoria shared a video of her and husband David dancing and singing along to her former pop band’s 1996 chart-topper She’ll Be There.
On TikTok, he wrote: ‘Warming up the vocals in Miami! More to come.’
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