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News, Blog and GuidesThe team’s co-owner insisted that the criticism is the “biggest compliment” to Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
William GittinsWillGittUpdate: Aug 23rd, 2023 18:22 EDT
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Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham has rejected claims that the team’s Leagues Cup triumph was “a fix” and highlighted the incredible talents of Lionel Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.
Even the most optimistic of Inter Miami supporters could not have predicted the scale of Messi’s impact on the pitch. Making his debut in the team’s first Leagues Cup fixture, the Argentine went on to score seven goals in ten games as Inter Miami were crowned champions after a thrilling victory over Nashville SC.
In the aftermath, Beckham spoke to reporters about claims that Miami’s run to the trophy was fixed.
“Every time Leo [Messi] scores one of these goals, every time Busi [Sergio Busquets] makes one of these passes, every time Jordi [Alba] makes one of these runs, people say ‘Is it a fix?’” Beckham said.
“It’s the biggest compliment that anyone can give these players because it is like a movie,” he explained.
Special moment between Beckham and Messi. 🤗 pic.twitter.com/TmgHxvuWEp
— Major League Soccer (@MLS) August 20, 2023
Inter Miami return to domestic action on Wednesday, 23 August when they travel to TQL Stadium to face FC Cincinnati in the semi-final of the US Open Cup.
Follow all the action: FC Cincinnati vs Inter Miami live online
FC Cincinnati vs Inter Miami is available to view on the streaming platform FuboTV (free trial available).
David Beckham on Messi, Busquets and Alba
Inter Miami have enjoyed a remarkable mid-season turnaround which saw them crowned champions of the Leagues Cup. They not only lifted the trophy but did so after a series of thrilling performances to get there.
Miami finished the tournament with 22 goals from matches, far more than the second-highest scorers Nashville (16 goals). That rate of 3.1 goals per game is far higher than any team has managed in MLS this season.
Speaking after the win over Nashville, Beckham was full of praise for Messi, Busquets and Alba:
“You watch these players play and it’s emotional because everything about their play is beautiful. Everything about their mannerisms is beautiful and everything about them as individuals, off the pitch, is beautiful.”
🗣️ "[Messi] came to compete, just like Busquets and Alba. They came to compete, and today they won."#LeaguesCup2023
— Leagues Cup (@LeaguesCup) August 20, 2023
Inter Miami hoping to inspire academy players
Despite their incredible talents, Beckham believes that the ex-Barcelona trio will offer more to the club than just what they achieve on the pitch. The three World Cup winners will provide Inter Miami’s young players with the benefits of their vast experience.
