David Beckham has changed the landscape of soccer in the United States, and now he is on the verge of a major victory in the race to secure the signature of Lionel Messi, the greatest player of all time.
"One penny or maybe a few hundred million dollars" is what former Real Madrid president Ramón Calderon thought. He was famously at the forefront of the opposition back in 2007 when people were displeased with Beckham's decision to join the Los Angeles Galaxy instead of staying in the elite circles of European soccer.
At that time, Beckham not only turned down a new two-year contract with Real Madrid but also rejected offers from Milan, Arsenal, and Tottenham to come to the United States and play in the MLS for the LA Galaxy. This infuriated Calderon, who immediately criticized the 31-year-old star, calling him "a mediocre actor who craves the Hollywood spotlight."
Fast forward 16 years, with Lionel Messi ready to join Inter Miami, Beckham's achievement is once again making waves. Sports analyst Joe Pompliano now refers to it as "one of the greatest sports deals of all time," a remarkable success.
It serves as a reminder to anyone, at any stage of life, about the value of long-term calculations in critical and high-pressure situations. While headlines in January 2007 focused on Beckham's salary and the commercial relationships he would bring, few spoke about the astuteness of this agreement, which was actually tucked away in a side clause.
That clause stated that Beckham would have the option to purchase an expansion franchise in the MLS for $25 million whenever he retired. This amount was 2.5 times higher than what Toronto paid that same year for their MLS participation.
Beckham helped increase MLS viewership by 40% since his arrival in the United States in 2007.
Back then, Messi was still a teenager, but after 11 years, he finds himself alongside Beckham in Florida, at a club called Inter Miami—a team that played its first match just three years ago. And what is the value of that club? Estimated in January 2023 at nearly $600 million, but with Messi and the prospects of a new stadium, that number increases to $1 billion. In other words, a 40-fold increase (and seemingly still rising) compared to the price specified in Beckham's contract clause.
It is important to note that Beckham's actual stake in the club is speculated to be around 25%, and he shares ownership rights with billionaires Jorge and Jose Mas. Speaking on "The Joe Pomp" podcast, Pompliano estimated that Beckham's move to MLS in 2007 has brought him over $500 million. Although it was mutually beneficial, it is clear that "Beckham reaped greater rewards."
Similar to Beckham's many victories on the soccer field, his success in the United States is a testament to his unwavering self-confidence. Becks arrived in the US before the explosive rise of social media but still under the guidance of 19 savvy image consultants aiming to turn him into an inspirational figure for other stars pursuing the "American dream." Attendance rates for MLS games increased by 40% since Beckham's arrival.
When Inter Miami played its first official MLS match on March 1, 2020, Messi posted a video congratulating Beckham, saying, "Who knows, maybe in a few years, you can give me a ring (symbolizing a commitment - NV)." So, many believed that Messi would come to Miami in 2021 when his relationship with Barcelona ended.
There are also reports that Messi would come to the United States in 2021 when he left Barcelona for the first time. Beckham visited Messi at PSG's training camp at the beginning of the previous season, and they were photographed together, generating widespread commentary.
"I admire Leo for many reasons," Beckham told ESPN Argentina. "He's a perfect father and a great person. But I think what people love about Leo is the way he plays the game with passion and dedication."
However, mutual admiration will never be enough. The closeness of Messi's family to Miami is a significant attraction. Like Beckham in 2007, this agreement is also understood to contain unusual provisions, especially regarding the revenue from major MLS partners such as Apple and Adidas.
With the FIFA World Cup set to take place in North America in 2026, Messi is expected to elevate "soccer" in the United States to new heights. And if that happens, Beckham, the trailblazing player turned club owner in the United States, will only see the benefits of the 2007 negotiations increase.
