Cobi Jones admits that you should “never underestimate David Beckham”, with Inter Miami’s deal for Lionel Messi smashing down transfer doors for MLS.
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Argentine icon moved to America in 2023Man Utd legend made deal possibleTop talent expected to flock to the StatesWHAT HAPPENED?
Manchester United and England legend Beckham is a now a co-owner in Florida, having taken up the expansion franchise option that was included in his contract at LA Galaxy in 2007. Beckham helped to lure Messi to America in 2023, with the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner proving that anything his possible when ‘Golden Balls’ are involved.
Get the MLS Season Pass today!Stream games nowAdvertisementGetty ImagesWHAT JONES SAID ABOUT BECKHAM & MESSI
Former USMNT star Jones, who played alongside Beckham in Los Angeles, has told of a stunning coup for Inter Miami: “One thing I've learned is, never underestimate David Beckham. What he's done there has been fantastic. I don't think anyone thought he was going to pull something like this off! He and his team have done something spectacular by signing Messi. They’ve then made those additional signings, bringing in the likes of Jordi Alba and Luis Suarez. They're making all the right moves on the field and bringing a lot of attention to MLS.”
THE BIGGER PICTURE
Jones sees those deals benefiting MLS as a whole, with more players now willing to consider moves to the United States during the peak years of their career. The most-capped player for the USMNT added: “It gives MLS more notoriety and more attention to the game. In LA, we've had stars like David Beckham and Zlatan Ibrahimovic. That significantly increased the eyeballs on MLS in the United States and internationally. Fast-forward to today, and you have Messi and Suarez and so many other players at a high level. That attracts players who maybe aren't superstars – but they are future stars. All of a sudden, it's not an issue for players in their early and mid-20s to say, ‘Yeah, I'm going to come to MLS’. I believe you'll now see more of those players [in their prime years] making the decision to come here.”
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR MESSI?
Messi has made an immediate impact on and off the field in the States. Inter Miami are now a billion-dollar outfit, while a historic international tour was taken in ahead of the 2024 MLS campaign. That domestic season is now up and running, with Messi and Suarez among the goals in a three-game unbeaten start.