Former Spain midfielder David Silva revealed that he turned down a move to Inter Miami after leaving Manchester City in 2020. After spending a decade at the Etihad Stadium, Silva considered a move to MLS but ultimately chose to return to LaLiga with Real Sociedad, where he retired in 2023 following an anterior cruciate ligament injury.

“I was the first player to receive offers from Inter Miami,” Silva said on the podcast El Camino de Mario. “I met with David Beckham in Manchester, but I told him that I still wanted to compete in Europe. After that, I had many other offers, Japan, Qatar, but in the end I prioritized my personal life and felt ready to keep competing.”

Inter Miami entered the league with several recognizable names who are no longer with the club, including Gonzalo Higuain and Rodolfo Pizarro. Silva joining that initial roster would have been historic, but the timing of his career pointed elsewhere. In the years since, MLS has continued to attract players with Premier League pedigrees, like Heung-Min Son, reflecting the league’s growing profile and ambition.

Silva on what makes soccer different in England

A FIFA World Cup champion in 2010 and a European champion in 2008 and 2012 with Spain, Silva spoke proudly about his time in England. When asked whether he would have liked to play for Barcelona, the former Valencia standout acknowledged the appeal but emphasized that joining Manchester City was the best decision of his career.

“I had 10 spectacular years there. The people treated me incredibly well, we won everything, the team kept improving, and then there’s England, which has something different,” Silva explained. “I don’t know exactly what it is, but soccer there is like a religion. It took me a couple of months to adapt because between the World Cup and the holidays, I didn’t have time to train.”

Silva scored 77 goals in 436 appearances for Manchester City and won four Premier League titles, two FA Cups, and five League Cups during his time at the club. His spell in England was widely considered a resounding success and cemented his legacy as one of the most influential midfielders of his era.

Silva’s time at Real Sociedad

David Silva made 93 official appearances for Real Sociedad between 2020 and 2023, recording seven goals and 18 assists. Over three seasons, he played a central role in helping the club secure three consecutive European qualifications and lift the Copa del Rey title in 2020, which was contested and won in 2021 against Athletic Club. Although an ACL injury forced his retirement in 2023, his impact and leadership restored Real Sociedad to the elite of Spanish soccer.

It’s hard not to consider that this could be one of Messi’s final career titles, and discussions have already emerged about a potential retirement date and what he might do afterward. His future plans are heavily influenced by where he decides to live.

According to Argentine journalist Pablo Giralt, Beckham told Messi that he would love for him to settle in Miami after retiring, but Messi made it clear that his priority is to stay near Barcelona. “I signed the best player of all time. I told him I’d like him to live in Miami when he retires, but he said he only thinks about living near the Camp Nou. No player loves Barcelona as much as he does.”

That makes perfect sense given that Messi spent his entire career in Spain, building not only his professional legacy but also a family. He undoubtedly has countless memories tied to the city. Perhaps it’s even a subtle hint that he could remain involved with Barcelona in an executive or coaching role while staying close to home.

A significant moment in Miami

Beyond winning the MLS Cup, the match carried a deeper message as it marked the farewell of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba, Messi’s longtime teammates. Both legends are retiring from professional soccer and are expected to return to Spain. Their relationship goes beyond teammates—they are close friends.

Messi shared his thoughts on the special moment. “It’s a lot of happiness, it was one of our goals. We managed to win the Leagues Cup and had a great year. The team worked tremendously hard and delivered all season. I’m happy for what we achieved, for them. Ending their careers this way is beautiful and well-deserved. Today closes a very special chapter, and I wish them the best, two friends I care about deeply.”

What’s next for Messi

Now, all eyes are on the FIFA World Cup 2026, hosted in the United States, Canada, and Mexico, with Messi in outstanding form. The main question remains whether he will participate, as he has not confirmed his plans.

In an interview with Gaston Edul, Messi discussed his next steps considering the World Cup draw and the need for rest. “It’s been a very long year with many matches, long and demanding… a significant effort. We played the Club World Cup, which was a beautiful experience but very exhausting. Now it’s time for a break to prepare properly for what comes next, have a good preseason, and start fresh, as always.”

“Rodrigo is a player I’ve admired for many years,” Beckham said in an interview shared on Inter Miami’s official website. “As a leader he has brought so much to the teams he has played for – especially with his national team Argentina.”

After praising De Paul’s impact on the international stage in recent years, the English legend spoke about what the 31-year-old midfielder will bring to the Herons on the field. “He brings experience, passion and quality to our team and to our city,” he said.

But the main reason Beckham expressed excitement about having the Argentine star at his club is the stature De Paul has earned over the course of his career. “I’m excited to welcome another World Cup winning player not just to Inter Miami, but also to MLS.”

Now Javier Mascherano’s team will feature three World Cup champions on the pitch at the same time. In addition to De Paul, there’s obviously Lionel Messi. Both were crowned world champions with Argentina at Qatar 2022 and have built a strong partnership both on and off the field. The third is Sergio Busquets, who won the World Cup with Spain in South Africa in 2010.

Which other World Cup winners have played in MLS?

Currently, Inter Miami are one of just two MLS teams with a World Cup-winning player on their roster. The other is Los Angeles FC, who feature goalkeeper Hugo Lloris — champion with France in Russia 2018 and runner-up in Qatar 2022.

But over the years, other players with similar status have also featured in the league. Lloris’ former teammate at Los Angeles was Olivier Giroud, who played there between 2024 and 2025 after also winning the 2018 World Cup with France. Until last year, another Argentine World Cup winner from Qatar — Tiago Almada — played for Atlanta United. The young midfielder also holds the unique distinction of being the only player in history to win the World Cup while playing for an American club.

Other notable examples from previous eras include Germans Bastian Schweinsteiger (Chicago Fire) and Lothar Matthaus (NY MetroStars); Brazilians Kaka (Orlando City), Kleberson (Philadelphia Union), and Denilson (FC Dallas); and of course Pele, who ended his career with the New York Cosmos in 1980 — well before the creation of MLS.

Messi has yet to publicly confirm whether he will play in the next World Cup with Argentina, but he has made it clear that he wants to try. However, a key factor in his final decision will be whether he still feels capable of performing at the highest level of world soccer at age 39.

As was evident during the Club World Cup, Inter Miami are still far from the level of Europe’s top clubs—something that doesn’t offer a very promising outlook for Leo, who is under contract with the Herons until December 2025 and has not yet progressed in talks to extend it.

“Messi would be considering playing in another league ahead of the 2026 World Cup,” journalist Esteban Edul recently said on ESPN. “I’m thinking Newell’s or Barcelona.” If something like this were to happen, it wouldn’t necessarily mean a permanent departure from Inter Miami. It could be a temporary move, with the intention of returning to MLS after the World Cup.

The David Beckham precedent

If Lionel were to leave Inter Miami to focus on his preparation for the 2026 World Cup with Argentina, he would join a list of stars who made similar decisions in past decades.

One of the early examples was David Beckham. The English icon arrived in the United States in 2007 from Real Madrid and had several standout seasons with Los Angeles Galaxy. However, as the 2010 World Cup in South Africa approached, he negotiated a return to Europe to try to secure a spot on England’s national team roster.

That’s why he arranged two loan spells with AC Milan, in 2009 and 2010. Ultimately, an Achilles tendon injury kept him from playing in his fourth World Cup, and he eventually returned to MLS, where he won titles in 2011 and 2012.

Thierry Henry did something similar

In addition to the significantly lower level of competition compared to Europe, MLS has a clear disadvantage when it comes to its calendar. While European leagues run from August to May almost without interruption, in the United States the season starts in late February, and many teams are done playing by November.

That’s exactly what happened to Messi in 2024: Inter Miami were eliminated in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs against Atlanta United, and the Argentine star went nearly four months without playing an official match—something that hadn’t happened during his time with Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain. To avoid a similar scenario ahead of the World Cup, Lionel might follow in Thierry Henry’s footsteps.

The French star joined New York Red Bulls in 2010 after a successful stint with Barcelona and remained there until his retirement in 2014. However, after the 2011 season ended in early November, Henry negotiated a temporary departure to stay in shape until the next MLS season began. That’s why he returned to Arsenal, where he played 7 matches and scored 2 goals before rejoining New York.

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup not only brought thrilling action but also attracted an impressive roster of celebrities. From actors to musicians, the event became a magnet for stars eager to witness the global tournament firsthand.

High-profile guests mingled in the stands and VIP areas, adding extra glamour to the already electric atmosphere. Their presence at the Hard Rock Stadium highlighted the growing crossover between sports and entertainment.

While some stars stayed mostly out of the spotlight, others were seen cheering passionately and sharing moments that quickly made headlines. The mix of fame and soccer created a unique buzz throughout the competition’s opening days.

Stars spotted at the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup

The 2025 FIFA Club World Cup kicked off in true Miami fashion—with stars in the stands and global energy on the pitch. As Inter Miami faced Al Ahly in the tournament’s first official match at the Hard Rock Stadium, cameras quickly turned to some familiar faces lighting up the VIP boxes.

Among the first to be spotted was David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami, who received a warm welcome from fans. His presence added prestige to an already historic evening, as FIFA launched its first expanded Club World Cup in the United States.

Also seen at the stadium was Robbie Williams, who played a central role in the event’s artistic vision. As the newly named global ambassador for the FIFA’s official anthem, he was on hand to celebrate the track’s stadium debut—a song he co-wrote with Italian star Laura Pausini.

While more celebrity appearances are expected throughout the tournament’s month-long run, Beckham and Williams helped set the tone for an opening night filled with glamour, soccer and global spectacle… Stay tuned!

David Beckham and Tom Cruise came together at the Allianz Arena for the UEFA Champions League Final 2025, adding power to one of the biggest events. Their presence was a highlight in CBS Sports’ extensive 10-hour live coverage.

As Matt Curtis, producer of UEFA Champions League Today, explains, attending finals in person preserves the event’s uniqueness. This year, Beckham & Friends Live offered an exclusive, with the stars bringing fresh energy to the iconic match.

The game kicked off at 3 p.m. ET, airing on CBS and streaming live on Paramount+. While fans watched the intense on-field action, behind the scenes the celebrities’ team loyalties sparked intrigue, adding an unexpected layer.

Which team do David Beckham and Tom Cruise support in the UCL Final 2025?

Although there is no publicly available information confirming which team David Beckham and Tom Cruise support in the UEFA Champions League Final 2025, the Inter Miami co-owner has expressed his favoritism for PSG on some occasions.

Beckham has previously expressed support for PSG, particularly during their semi-final match against Arsenal, stating, “I know who I’ll be supporting on the night!” However, this was in the context of a specific match.

As for the Mission Impossible actor, who recently released the last installment of the franchise in theaters, he has attended several matches and has been spotted in the stands at Paris Saint-Germain some time ago.

Kate Scott is the one who has joined the two stars, who have been friends for more than two decades, to keep the conversation flowing until it concludes on CBS Sports and Paramount+. No doubt, it’s an interesting crossover to watch.

Following a disappointing 3-0 loss to Orlando City, Messi was asked about any updates regarding his contract extension. His response left some fans uneasy: “No, I don’t know anything”.

In contrast, Beckham expressed confidence about Messi’s future during an interview with Time Magazine, emphasizing the star’s happiness in Miami. “I think his heart is in Miami now,” Beckham said.

Beckham believes that as long as Messi is happy with soccer, he will keep playing for as long as he wants. “Players these days, they look after themselves more. They’re playing longer. His No. 1 passion is obviously his family. His other passion is soccer,” Beckham explained. “As long as he’s happy, he will continue to play as long as he wants. It would be nice if he played another 10 years. I can’t see it. But you never know”.

Beckham reflects on signing Messi

The former Real Madrid star admitted that as a team owner, you always dream of having the world’s best players, but it rarely happens. Beckham never imagined Messi would join Inter Miami, calling him the greatest player in the sport’s history.

“I could never have dreamed to have Lionel here,” Beckham confessed. “As an owner, you always say that you want the best players. Does it really happen? No. And he is the best player to have ever played the game”.

What’s next for Messi and Inter Miami?

Inter Miami currently sits sixth in the standings with 22 points, grappling with inconsistencies on the field. Following their 3-0 loss to Orlando City, a 4-1 defeat against Minnesota United further highlighted the team’s challenges heading into the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup.

Messi and company have three MLS matches left before their international campaign begins. Next up is a match against Philadelphia Union on Saturday, May 24, followed by games against CF Montreal and Columbus Crew.

On the global stage, Inter Miami is in Group A of the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, alongside Porto, Palmeiras, and Al–Ahly. Their first game is scheduled for Saturday, June 14, against Al-Ahly.

Following the win, Minnesota’s social media account shared a celebratory post on Instagram with the caption “Pink Phony Club,” a nod to Chappell Roan’s hit song “Pink Pony Club,” and a clear jab at Miami’s signature color.

Beckham, who also serves as Miami’s president, responded to the post, writing, “Show a little respect @mnufc be elegant in triumph.” His comment has gathered more than 2,000 likes.

However, that wasn’t the only jab at Miami. Another post featured an image of a banner reading, “History Over Hype, Culture Over Cash,” alluding to the Loons’ longer tenure in Major League Soccer and more modest spending compared to their opponents.

Inter Miami are struggling

The 4-1 result marked Messi’s largest loss since joining MLS two years ago. It was their fourth defeat in their last five matches, their only win coming last week against NY Red Bull. Currently Miami sit fourth in the Eastern Conference and have conceded 15 goals, the joint-most among the top 10. They now trail Minnesota United in the overall standings, even with a game in hand.

Coach Javier Mascherano has taken responsibility for the dip in form, saying it is on him if the players are not responding. If Miami allows more than two goals against San Jose on Wednesday, it would be their worst six-game defensive stretch in club history, surpassing a mark from 2021.

The results have left Mascherano under pressure. With Messi, Suarez, Alba, and Busquets on the roster, expectations were high following last season’s Supporters’ Shield and a spot in the FIFA Club World Cup. So far, the results have fallen short.

Beckham, who has witnessed Messi’s brilliance firsthand both as an opponent and now as an owner, offered high praise for Lamine Yamal, Barcelona’s 17-year-old prodigy. “He’s the first player you see and think… I mean, you can’t compare anyone to Messi, in my opinion… But he’s the closest I’ve ever seen,” Beckham said on Beckham and Friends.

The former Real Madrid and Manchester United star went even further, suggesting that Yamal has the potential to reach Messi’s heights someday. “Someday, I think he could be as good as Lionel Messi. Only every 20 or 30 years does a player like this appear,” Beckham remarked, underlining how rare talents like Yamal emerge in the sport.

Yamal’s rise through Barcelona’s youth ranks has been nothing short of extraordinary. Dubbed Messi’s heir at Barcelona from an early age, the young Spaniard has already set over 30 records, surpassing achievements by Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo at the same age.

At just 17, Yamal has showcased skill, composure, and maturity far beyond his years, fueling comparisons with the legendary Argentine. Yet, while the expectations are immense, the teenager remains grounded.

Messi’s thoughts on Lamine Yamal

Even Inter Miami‘s captain has weighed in on Yamal’s remarkable potential. Speaking in an interview with Simplemente Fútbol, the World Cup champion expressed admiration for the Barcelona starlet. “He’s one of the best in the world,” Messi stated unequivocally.

“It’s incredible what he’s showing, what he’s doing, and what he’s already achieved. He’s a European champion with Spain,” Messi said, highlighting Yamal’s rapid ascent.

Messi also emphasized Yamal’s youth and growth potential. “He’s only 17! He’s still in a growth phase, and I think he’ll continue to improve and add more to his game,” the Argentine added.

Yamal avoids comparisons with Messi

Despite the accolades and inevitable comparisons to Messi, Yamal is determined to carve his own path. “I like that they compare me to the greatest player in the history of soccer, but I want to be myself,” Yamal told Antena 3. He also tempered expectations, stating, “reaching Messi’s level is impossible”.

In an interview with Men’s Health, Beckham shared that whenever he makes an appearance at an Inter Miami training session, the team’s top stars, led by Messi, often approach him. “Do you know what, they’re always on at me, Leo, Luis (Suarez), Jordi (Alba), Sergio (Busquets),” he said. “They will turn around and say, ‘Come on, come on, join in!’”

Despite their persistent pleas, David continues to decline, citing the limitations imposed by his 49 years when it comes to competing with younger, active players. To illustrate his point, he shared an amusing anecdote.

“The funny thing was, the other day I was kicking a ball around for Adidas, doing some filming for my new Predator boots. I was doing some free kicks, pinging some long passes, and I got overly excited,” the Inter Miami owner began.

“I got to the fifth, sixth, and seventh—and on the eighth one, I pinged it, and I was like, ‘Oh (expletive), my quad!’“ Beckham chuckled. “The guy filming asked if I could do a couple more. I was like, ‘No, I think we got it!’”

Beckham has been retired for a long time

It’s understandable that Beckham no longer feels physically capable of even participating in playful competition with the Inter Miami players, especially considering he is turning 50 this year and has been retired from professional soccer for some time.

Beckham’s illustrious career spanned 21 years, with stints at top clubs like Manchester United and Real Madrid, before concluding his playing days with the Los Angeles Galaxy, AC Milan, and Paris Saint-Germain. His time with the French side marked the final chapter of his career, with the legendary midfielder retiring from professional soccer at the age of 38 after the 2012-13 season.

Messi’s impact on Beckham’s career

Although from different generations—Beckham 12 years Messi’s senior—the two have faced off on the pitch several times. The last meeting came in 2013, when Lionel was dazzling with Barcelona and David was winding down his career at Paris Saint-Germain. The two teams met that year in the Champions League, and something during that encounter would ultimately influence Beckham’s decision to end his career.

“I probably decided to retire when Messi was running past me,” Beckham recalled in an interview with Sky Sports a few years ago. “We were ahead. He came on and Barcelona scored,” David said of the 2013 Champions League match in which the Spanish giants advanced on penalties following a 3-3 aggregate draw. “Despite my age, I enjoyed playing, and the team was good in both games. We did things to be proud of. We didn’t lose to them.”

David Beckham, the former English soccer player who conquered the world with his talent, has built a fortune that transcends the sports world. He has been a footballer, model and businessman, showcasing his talent across various fields.

From his glory days at Manchester United to becoming a true global icon, his wealth reflects a career that was not only built on the playing field but also through a series of strategic decisions off it.

His fortune reaches impressive figures, but his success isn’t just measured in dollars; it’s measured by how he’s transformed his fame into a powerful platform, especially since acquiring Inter Miami, where Lionel Messi currently plays.

What is David Beckham’s net worth?

Since David Beckham’s retirement in 2013, his net worth is estimated at approximately $450 million, a figure that reflects both his successes on the field and his shrewd investments and business deals, according to Forbes.

During his career, he not only shined at renowned teams like Manchester United and Real Madrid, but he also became a global icon, signing endorsement deals with high-profile brands like Adidas, PepsiCo and H&M.

The diversification of his income sources, which include everything from endorsement deals to investments in companies and sports clubs, has been key for Beckham to maintain and grow his wealth over the years.

His total fortune is combined with that of his wife, Victoria, who is not only a former member of the popular Spice Girls band but has also built a successful career as a designer. For sure, they are one of the wealthiest couples.

David Beckham’s investments

David Beckham has proven to be a shrewd businessman, leveraging his global fame to make investments that have significantly increased his wealth. After retiring from football, he has managed to diversify his sources of income.

One of his most notable moves was purchasing a stake in the soccer club Inter Miami CF in 2007, a strategic investment that not only allowed him to become involved in sports management.

This has resulted in a significant increase in the value of the team, which is currently valued at $1.03 billion. The signing of Lionel Messi in 2023 has been a key factor in this growth, further solidifying his position in the world of sports.

In addition to his football-related ventures, he has expanded his personal brand, signing endorsement deals that have allowed him to generate substantial income while also building a solid image in the fashion world.

Through these investments, he has not only managed to maintain his fortune. His ability to diversify his portfolio and capitalize on his status as a global star demonstrates his business acumen beyond the football field.

David Beckham’s earnings and salary

During his football career, David Beckham earned substantial salaries, especially at elite clubs like Manchester United, Real Madrid, LA Galaxy and Paris Saint-Germain. In LA, his salary was $6.5 million per year.

In addition, he has been one of the highest-paid athletes in terms of endorsement deals. It was estimated that his annual earnings from sponsorships were around $40 million, although this figure has fluctuated over time.

Overall, it is estimated that his annual earnings range between $40 million and $60 million. Celebrity Net Worth reported that his current annual salary is $50 million, so his fortune continues to grow.

David Beckham’s real estate

David and Victoria Beckham have built an impressive real estate portfolio that includes luxury properties in various parts of the world. In October 2024, the couple acquired an oceanfront mansion on North Bay Road.

This is one of the most exclusive areas of Miami Beach. The property, valued at approximately $80 million, boasts over 1,300 square meters, nine bedrooms and a wide range of luxury amenities, according to a report by AD Magazine.

In 2016, they purchased a £31 million mansion in the exclusive neighborhood of Holland Park in London. The property, which previously belonged to Russian oil magnate Eugene Shvidler, has undergone significant renovations.

That same year, they also acquired a countryside house in the Cotswolds, a rural area known for its natural beauty and picturesque landscapes. This property provides them with a peaceful retreat away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

In 2007, they bought an Italian-style villa in Beverly Hills for €16.6 million. The 1,000-square-meter property, shaped like an “H”, had six bedrooms, an elevator and more. They sold it in 2018 for €30 million.

It has been reported that they own a property in the Burj Khalifa in Dubai, the tallest skyscraper in the world. However, specific details about this property are not public. These acquisitions reflect the Beckhams’ taste for high-end properties.