A Touch of Rivalry’s Warmth: David Beckham Embraces Messi’s Family in Pregame Suite Ahead of Inter Miami’s Season Opener

Before their season opener versus Real Salt Lake, David Beckham, co-owner and president of Inter Miami, greeted Lionel Messi’s father Jorge and wife Antonela Roccuzzo.

Beckham was spotted giving Jorge and Roccuzzo hugs on Wednesday at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Prior to Messi’s debut Major League Soccer season, his sons Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro were also hanging around in the suite.

David Beckham greeted Lionel Messi's wife Antonela ahead of Inter Miami's season opener

David Beckham greeted Lionel Messi’s wife Antonela ahead of Inter Miami’s season opener

When the 36-year-old joined with Beckham’s team in the US in July 2023, it stunned the sports world. Months after guiding Argentina to the World Cup championship in Qatar and a lackluster season at Paris Saint-Germain, Messi made history with his historic signing.

David Beckham abraza al padre de Lionel Messi y a su esposa Antonela antes  del Debut de liga ❤️ - YouTube

Messi guided The Herons to victory in the first Leagues Cup after his arrival. They competed in the US Open Cup final as well, but the Houston Dynamo defeated them.

In his 14 games for the team, Messi has 11 goals and 4 assists. Unfortunately, Inter Miami was unable to advance to the MLS Cup Playoffs as a result of his late acquisition.

Messi’s team enters the game on Wednesday following a dull preseason tour.

Messi and Inter Miami will host Real Salt Lake after winning one of seven preseason fixtures

Messi and Inter Miami will host Real Salt Lake after winning one of seven preseason fixtures

Fans had many questions when Inter Miami emerged victorious in one of their seven preseason games. Their losing streak in Saudi Arabia reached three games as they were shut out by FC Dallas and the El Salvador national team.

After losing 4-3 to Al Hilal, Messi and team thrashed 6-0 against Al Nasr, with Messi missing a large portion of the match.

Inter Miami finished their preseason with wins, losses, and draws against Newell’s Old Boys, Vissel Kobe, and the Hong Kong League XI.

They will play host to Real Salt Lake, a team that has won their first game for the past fifteen years. The Utah-based team lost to the Dynamo in the opening round of the MLS Cup Playoffs after finishing fifth in the Western Conference the previous year.