Lionel Messi has touched down in Miami for Argentina's World Cup round of 32 clash against Cape Verde on Friday, an event David Beckham was never going to miss. Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami, played a significant role in bringing Messi to the club in 2023, a move that has transformed the franchise both on and off the pitch.
Messi's Impact on Inter Miami's Success
Since signing from Paris Saint-Germain, Messi has turned Inter Miami into a trophy-winning side. Before his arrival, the club had never won a title; now they boast two, including MLS championships. Attendances have risen almost 40 per cent, and merchandising sales have soared. The signing also attracted other stars like Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba. According to the report, "Because of Messi," Inter Miami went from one of the newest franchises to champions.
Cultural Shift in Miami
Messi's influence extends beyond the stadium. The number of youngsters swapping baseball and basketball for soccer at local academies has increased tenfold. Murals of Messi adorn walls in the Wynwood district and Latino quarter, with Beckham even lifted by a giant crane to honour a mural by artist Maximiliano Bagnasco. Hundreds of fans gather daily outside Messi's mansion on Bay Colony estate, hoping to see him. Extra police are drafted for matches due to the commotion.
Economic Ripple Effects
The Messi effect has boosted local businesses. The Buenos Aires Bakery near South Beach now charges a £10 entry fee with a £15 minimum spend to manage demand. Messi owns his own restaurant, 'Amalfi Llama' on Biscayne Boulevard, which features a dish named 'Milamessi' and is booked months in advance. Argentinean resident Donatella Diaz said: "He makes us all feel that little closer to home. He makes people feel better about their lives. He might be an icon, but he is also an example of how hard work can change your time on this earth."
World Cup Excitement
Thousands of fans without golden tickets will still flock to Miami Stadium to catch a glimpse of Messi as Argentina faces Cape Verde. The match is part of the World Cup 2026 round of 32, with Messi representing his national team in the city he now calls home for club football.
