Lionel Messi era begins at David Beckham’s Inter Miami but new teammates extend shock winless run to 11 games with defeat to St Louis City
Lionel Messi will be officially unveiled by Inter Miami tonight and boy do they need him.
The 2022 World Cup winner has joined on a free transfer from Paris Saint-Germain but links up with an MLS side in terrible form.
Stunningly, a 3-0 defeat to St Louis City - this season's newest franchise - sees the club without a win in 11 GAMES.
Seven of those have been since co-owner David Beckham took the huge step to dismiss former Manchester United teammate Phil Neville.
The ex-Red Devils had been in charge since January 2021 but failed to bring the any success, despite having Gonzalo Higuain, among others, at his disposal.
Now Messi enters the fray with Inter Miami bottom (15th) of the Eastern Conference by one point and bottom of the overall standings too.
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But new head coach Gerardo Martino, who managed the iconic seven-time Balon d'Or winner at Barcelona couldn't get his tenure off to winning ways.
It's hoped the duo can get Inter Miami into play-off contention with 12 games remaining in the season.
After his transfer was confirmed on Saturday, Messi said: "I’m very excited to start this next step in my career with Inter Miami and in the United States.
"This is a fantastic opportunity and together we will continue to build this beautiful project. The idea is to work together to achieve the objectives we set, and I’m very eager to start helping here in my new home.’
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Beckham added: "Ten years ago, when I started my journey to build a new team in Miami, I said that I dreamt of bringing the greatest players in the world to this amazing city.
"Players who shared the ambition I had when I joined LA Galaxy to help grow football in the USA and to build a legacy for the next generation in this sport that we love so much. Today that dream came true.
"The next phase of our adventure starts here, and I can’t wait to see Leo take to the pitch."