INTER MIAMI are well on their way now.
The MLS team, owned by David Beckham, won the MLS Supporters’ Shield for the first time with a 3-2 win over Columbus Crew.
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It’s a massive turnaround in the fortunes of Inter Miami, who won the Leagues Cup last season and are most certainly on an upwards trajectory.
The star power of Lionel Messi – who scored twice in Wednesday evening’s historic win – and Beckham is bringing in the crowds at the DRV PNK Stadium, as well as the trophies.
Pitchside at the Fort Lauderdale arena has become the MLS equivalent of courtside at the Crypto.com Arena
Those two have made Inter Miami the must-see sports team in the States.
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So it’s no wonder A-listers including Leo DiCaprio, Selena Gomez and more are flocking to watch the team.
And they were only get bigger when they move into the new £750million Miami Freedom Park in 2026, that’ll boast a 25,000 capacity.
SunSport looks at the phenomenon Becks created, starting from scratch.
Beforehand…
The excitement around Beckham, 49, owning a sports team was enough to attract his celeb pals who offered their support.
His product might have been lacking in pizzazz, with early recruits Gonzalo Higuain and Blaise Matuidi not exactly setting the world on fire.
But, Becks is an extremely well-connected man.
Curious as to see what all the fuss was about, the rich and famous took in an Inter Miami game.
Perhaps, they were passing through Florida, or on holiday, but they can say they were there.
This goes for Jay-Z, Jennifer Lopez, Will Smith and Olympic legend Usain Bolt.
Maybe the latter was seeking a contract.
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The fanfare was set.
A star-studded debut
While his lightning-delayed unveiling in 2023 was a damp squib, Messi’s debut against Cruz Azul was the equivalent of an Oscars red carpet that ended with a dramatic Hollywood movie plot twist.
The star attraction entered the fray in the second half, admittedly very short of match-fitness.
That didn’t matter. Not for a man of Messi’s class who had to entertain his new fans, with some paying over £1,000 for a ticket.
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Deep into stoppage time, he stood over a free-kick some 30-yards from goal.
A trademark free-kick followed, driving the fans into ecstasy, Messi’s team-mates wild and securing a win for his new club.
Right before he made his appearance, Kim Kardashian, LeBron James, Serena Williams, DJ Khaled, Camila Cabello, Rick Ross, Derek Jeter, Diddy, Becky G, and Marc Anthony all watched in expectation of the spectacular.
Even they were in awe of the Barcelona legend, with some of those whipping their camera phones out to film the moment.
And it wasn’t a fad
While his debut was something of make-believe, that enticed the A-listers furthermore.
You could be fooled into thinking a match against Atlanta United isn’t exactly a glamour tie.
Tell that to Diddy (again), DJ Khaled (again), Camila Cabello (again), and Puerto Rican singer Rauw Alejandro.
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Before the action kicked off, Messi led out his team alongside Khaled’s son, Asahd.
It was an occasion that was even too much for the boy, who weeped tears of joy to be stood next to his hero.
Still, those tears would have been wiped as Messi’s second coming inspired a 4-0 demolition of an MLS rival.
Messi was the architect again, scoring twice inside the opening 22 minutes.
And he seemingly appeared to be enjoying his new-found status, sharing a chat with singer Cabello during proceedings.
Becks’ close pal NFL legend and Birmingham City investor, Tom Brady and producer/rapper Pharrell Williams have also shown their love for Inter Miami.
While Hollywood movie star Leo DiCaprio was spotted in a posh box enjoying an ice lolly, and Prince Harry dropped in to see Inter face off against Los Angeles FC.
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