Topics: MLS, David Beckham, Inter Miami, Lionel Messi, Fan Reactions, USA
David Beckham welcomed Lionel Messi to his Inter Miami team with a conversation in the seven time Ballon d'Or winner's native tongue.
In what was one of football's worst kept secrets, Messi was finally announced as an Inter Miami player on Saturday night, signing until 2025.
It didn't exactly come as a shock to anyone with it having been reported for several weeks that the 36-year-old's time in Europe was over.
On Sunday night, the Argentina star was unveiled to his new adoring fans in Florida, in a rain delayed presentation inside a packed DRV PNK Stadium.
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Club owner Becks was obviously in attendance and stood with the club's new star on the stage holding up his number 10 shirt.
But footage from behind the scenes shows they shared a moment before the proceedings got underway, having a conversation in Spanish, as you can see below.
The former Manchester United star could be heard welcoming his new player by saying 'Todo bien?', or "All good?", before they continued to chat.
Fans were left confused because they didn't believe that Beckham could actually speak Spanish, despite his time in Spain with Real Madrid.
The 48-year-old spent four years in La Liga before his own move to the United States to play MLS football with LA Galaxy.
But during that spell the former England captain didn't speak the native language, leading to some fans mocking the idea he'd learnt just for Messi.
"David Beckham didn’t learn Spanish in Madrid but may learn Spanish in Miami for Leo Messi," noted one supporter.
"Since when does David Beckham speak Spanish?", questioned a second.
Another thinks the owners limited use of the language goes back to his school days, adding: "Beckham’s GCSE Spanish lessons helping him at the right time."
"David Beckham notoriously shunned learning of Spanish when he played for Real Madrid," claimed a fourth.
And another commented: "David Beckham had to learn Spanish for this.”
During the presentation Messi did speak to the crowd in Spanish as well, with the club having strong ties to the Latinx community in Miami.
Speaking to the fans the co-owner said: "Ten years ago, I started my journey to build a new MLS team," Becks said.
"I said then, I dreamt of bringing the best players in the world to South Florida and to the great city to 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.
"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."
