‘People are shocked’ – How Lionel Messi has stunned Florida natives as Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham reveals Argentine superstar has ‘changed everything’

The seven-time Ballon d’Or winner took the bold decision to walk away from European football and go chasing the American dream when reaching the end of his contract at Paris Saint-Germain. He has committed to an initial two-and-a-half-year deal in the United States, with his family settling quickly in new surroundings.

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Messi inspired Inter Miami to Leagues Cup glory and the U.S. Open Cup final within weeks of his arrival, with Beckham adding on what makes the mercurial Argentine so special: “To bring someone like him to the club, we knew it would change the club and we knew it would change the league and the sport – but it’s beyond that. What he does on the pitch, what he does off the pitch, for the young kids – to bring somebody in like him is the dream, also Jordi Alba and Sergio Busquets. To bring in Leo has changed everything. The academy kids have someone to look up to, who has done everything, won everything, and he’s teaching them, which is amazing.”