“This is one of the greatest players in the world,” the Inter Miami CF co-owner said about his star player
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In the latest trailer for ‘Messi Meets America,’ Inter Miami FC co-owner David Beckham (left) praises Lionel Messi (right), calling him “one of the greatest players in the world.”. Photo: Marc Piasecki/WireImage; FIFA/FIFA via Getty
David Beckham is acknowledging Lionel Messi’s legend status.
In the trailer for the new Apple TV+ docuseries, Messi Meets America, the Inter Miami CF co-owner, 48, raves about the star soccer player, 36.
“This is one of the greatest players in the world,” Beckhman says in the trailer, which ends with a montage of some of Messi’s biggest moments — including a celebratory hug with Beckham — since donning his pink Miami jersey.
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The six-part series promises an “inside look” at the latest chapter of Messi’s life and career — including his 2023 Leagues Cup title and Major League Soccer debut — told through exclusive interviews with the Argentinian soccer star and his new Inter Miami family.
“My happiness has always been playing football,” Messi says in the trailer. “And now I can continue doing it here.”
The series is executive produced by Scott Boggins, Patrick Milling Smith and Brian Carmody, as well as Tim Pastore and Matt Renner, both of whom worked on Emmy-winning documentary Free Solo. It is also produced by SMUGGLER Entertainment in association with the MLS.
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Messi Meets America doesn’t mark the first time Beckham has openly praised his star player.
In July, when the superstar became officially joined Inter Miami team, Beckham introduced Messi to a sold-out crowd at DRV PNK Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida — and called Messi arrival a “dream come true.”
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David Beckham and Lionel Messi hug in the trailer for ‘Messi Meets America.’. Courtesy of Apple TV+
“Ten years ago, I started my journey to build a new MLS team,” Beckham said, per ESPN. “I said then, I dreamt of bringing the best players in the world to South Florida and to the great city of Miami. Players who shared our ambition to grow soccer in this country … We are so happy that you are all here to celebrate this incredible moment.”
He continued, “So please forgive me for feeling a little bit emotional tonight. It truly is a dream come true to welcome Lionel Messi to Inter Miami … Bienvenido a La Familia.”
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To Messi and Miami fans’ delight, the player then thanked the crowd, some of whom waited out a two-hour rain delay to experience the moment — and watch the star lead Inter Miami to 2-to-1 victory against Cruz Azul.
“I am very happy to have chosen to come to this city with my family, to have chosen this project, and I have no doubt that we are going to enjoy it very much,” Messi said at the match, which marked his official entry into U.S. competition.
He continued, “We are going to have a good time, and great things are going to happen. Thank you very much, thank you all for this day.”
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Lionel Messi playing for Inter Miami in September 2023. Keith Birmingham/MediaNews Group/Pasadena Star-News via Getty
“I can’t wait to start training to compete. I feel the same desire I’ve always had to compete, to really want to win and to help it [Miami] continue to grow,” he finished.
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The soccer superstar first confirmed his move to Miami — and Beckham’s team — in June in an interview with Spanish outlets, Mundo Deportivo and Sport, ESPN reported.
“I have made the decision that I am going to Miami,” Messi said. “I still don’t have it agreed upon 100% and a few things are needed, but well, we decided to continue my path there.”
“After winning the World Cup and not being able to return to Barcelona, it was my turn to go to the league of the United States to live football in another way and to enjoy the day to day more,” he continued. “Obviously, with the same responsibility and desire to play well and do things well as always. But in a calmer way.”
