“Winning as an Owner Tops Playing Glory” – Beckham on Inter Miami’s Historic MLS Triumph
David Beckham added a new chapter to his storied soccer career on Saturday, declaring that winning the MLS Cup as an owner “has to be one of the greatest moments” of his life. Inter Miami’s 3-1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps marked the club’s first-ever MLS Cup title, a landmark moment amplified by Lionel Messi’s decisive creativity.
Beckham’s journey with Major League Soccer has come full circle. As a player, he lifted the MLS Cup with LA Galaxy in 2011 and 2012, cementing his legacy on the field. Now, as a co-owner of Inter Miami, he has etched his name in history again, becoming the first person to claim the MLS championship as both player and owner. The club’s meteoric rise has been fueled by high-profile signings, with Messi’s arrival fulfilling Beckham’s long-standing promise to bring the world’s best talent to America.
Reflecting on the milestone, Beckham told The Athletic, “One of the things was obviously me going to L.A., but then the next one was me owning the team and my promise to America and to the MLS was to bring the best player, and we brought the best player and now we’ve had success tonight.” His words underline the blend of ambition and vision driving Miami’s success.
Messi’s influence was decisive. With the score tied 1-1, he intercepted a pass from Andrés Cubas and set up Rodrigo De Paul, tipping the balance in Miami’s favor. The victory was ultimately sealed deep into stoppage time when Messi’s perfectly timed volley found Tadeo Allende, sending the stadium into euphoria. Beyond the celebrations, this triumph signals the growing legitimacy of MLS as a competitive league capable of attracting global stars. For Beckham, the win validates years of strategic investment, talent recruitment, and belief in the sport’s potential in the U.S.
Inter Miami’s MLS Cup journey reflects a combination of tactical discipline and star power. Messi’s two assists in the final add to a growing record of individual brilliance, while manager Javier Mascherano’s touchline celebrations highlight the collaborative effort behind the triumph. Historically, few former players transition into ownership with such immediate success, making Beckham’s achievement uniquely significant.
As confetti rained down on the pitch and Beckham celebrated in the ownership box, the message was clear: this is only the beginning. The MLS Cup win is a milestone, not a finale, hinting at a future where Inter Miami could dominate domestic and international soccer conversations. For Beckham and Messi, the story continues, with ambitions now higher than ever.