In a recent development that has sent ripples through the world of football, Lionel Messi, the Argentine superstar, has begun training with Major League Soccer's Inter Miami. However, the club's co-owner, David Beckham, has urged patience, stating that Messi will need time to adapt to the new league, despite his illustrious career and exceptional skills.
Beckham, a former Manchester United and Real Madrid midfielder, was present at Messi's first training session with Inter Miami. The session also saw the participation of Spanish midfielder Sergio Busquets, another recent signing and Messi's former teammate from Barcelona. The training was led by Gerardo 'Tata' Martino, a former Barcelona and Argentina coach.
"Leo's still going to need, no matter how good he is, no matter what his stature is, he and Sergio are going to need time to adapt no matter," Beckham said. He added that while the new signings might surprise everyone by leading the team to consecutive victories, it is crucial to be patient.
Beckham also hinted that Messi might not start in the upcoming Leagues Cup game against Mexicans Cruz Azul. "Leo will play some part of the game but that will be down to the coach (and) it'll be down to Leo to decide if he's ready because we know that he's been away for a few weeks with his family but he looks sharp, he looks great but he's going to need time to adapt as well," he explained.
Beckham himself was the biggest name to move to MLS when he signed for the Galaxy in 2007. He recalled the high expectations that followed his arrival, with many assuming that the Galaxy would win every game. However, the reality was different, with the team failing to make the playoffs in his first two seasons. It was only in 2011 and 2012 that the Galaxy won the MLS Cup.
Drawing from his own experience, Beckham acknowledged that the standard of MLS is still below that of the top leagues in Europe, where Messi has spent his entire club career. However, he expressed confidence in Messi's ability to succeed, while also cautioning that his impact on the field might not be as instant as some may anticipate.
"It's a different style of football, it's a slightly different level to what obviously some of the players that are coming in are used to," Beckham said. "But at the end of the day, this level of football in this country now is a good level, it's a great level, so there are going to be moments where we have to be patient," he concluded.
