The situation became complicated in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday night, for reasons that had nothing to do with the talisman of the Argentine soccer player for whom many fans had paid a lot of money.
With club co-owner David Beckham watching from the stands at Chase Stadium, Inter Miami suffered a tough 3-1 defeat at the hands of MLS rival Atlanta United.
Worse yet, Beckham’s youngest son, Cruz, 19, was also present when the Florida-based soccer franchise suffered an unexpected defeat in front of its home fans.
Beckham, 49, was smartly dressed in his usual blue two-piece suit as he watched the team he founded in 2018.
But the former Manchester United and England footballer’s expression was noticeably sour as Atlanta enjoyed a comprehensive victory over Miami, whose only goal came, unsurprisingly, from Argentine star Lionel Messi.
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham was accompanied by his son Cruz as his club lost 3-1 to Atlanta United at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday night.
The former footballer’s expression was noticeably sour as Atlanta enjoyed a comprehensive victory over Inter, whose only goal came, unsurprisingly, from Argentine star Lionel Messi.
Despite Thursday’s setback, Messi and his Miami teammates remain at the top of the MLS Eastern Conference, but only one point separates them from second-place Cincinnati.
Beckham and Messi were recently praised for their humility after posing for countless selfies following a recent win against the Vancouver Whitecaps.
Messi, who missed Miami’s 2-1 victory over the Canadian team on May 25, appeared to be leaving dinner when fans approached him to take a photo, including one with his arm around him.
In a video posted to the Only in Dade Instagram account, he could be seen posing for several fans before taking off, and his actions were apparently well received.
‘These are two of the most humble Superstars out there and they never seem to say NO! (to a photo)’, Only in Dade said later.
“I met Messi about a month ago… I can’t lie, he’s the nicest guy and super humble,” added one fan.
Meanwhile, Beckham was spotted by several fans leaving a Miami Target store with several shopping bags in hand.
The Inter Miami co-owner smiled as he posed with several fans and even signed an autograph for one of them.
Beckham was smartly dressed in his usual blue two-piece suit as he watched the team he founded in 2018.
Miami’s only goal of the game was scored by their number 10, Argentine forward Lionel Messi.
“I met him once at a dollar store,” one fan said of Beckham. ‘Class act. Guy knows how to save.
Another added: ‘How nice to have (Messi and Beckham) as neighbors in Miami! They have gratitude and kindness. What more can you ask!?
It’s been a great season so far for the Herons, who lead MLS with 34 points from 16 games.
Messi has started only nine of them, since he suffered a leg injury in March and coach Tata Martino also rested him on occasions.
Atlanta United midfielder Saba Lobjanidze celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Inter Miami CF during the second half at Chase Stadium.
