Things got messy in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday night, for reasons that had nothing to do with the Argentine footballer’s talisman that many fans had paid good money for.
As club co-owner David Beckham watched from the stands of Chase Stadium, Inter Miami suffered a crushing 3-1 defeat to MLS rival Atlanta United.
Worse still, Beckham’s youngest son Cruz, 19, was also present when the Florida football franchise suffered an unexpected defeat in front of the home fans.
Beckham, 49, was smartly dressed in the blue two-piece suit he usually favors as he watches the team he founded in 2018.
But the former Manchester United and England footballer’s expression was noticeably sour as Atlanta secured a comprehensive victory over Miami, whose only goal – unsurprisingly – came from Argentine star Lionel Messi.
Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham was joined by 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 completed a comprehensive victory over Inter, whose only goal – unsurprisingly – came from Argentine star Lionel Messi.
Despite Thursday’s setback, Messi and his Miami teammates remain atop the MLS Eastern Conference, but just one point separates them from second-place Cincinnati.
Beckham and Messi were recently praised for their humility after they stopped posing for countless selfies following a recent win against Vancouver Whitecaps.
Messi, who missed Miami’s 2-1 win over Canada on May 25, appeared to be leaving a dinner when fans approached him for a photo, including one putting his arm around him.
In a video posted by Instagram account Only in Dade, he was seen posing for several fans before leaving, and his actions were apparently well received.
‘These are two of the most humble superstars around, and it seems they never say NO! [to a photo],’Only in Dade said afterwards.
“Met Messi about a month ago… can’t lie, nicest guy and super humble,” one fan added.
Beckham, meanwhile, was spotted by several fans as he left 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 fan.
Beckham was smartly dressed in the blue two-piece suit he usually favors as he watches the team he founded in 2018
Miami’s only goal of the match was scored by their number 10, Argentinian striker Lionel Messi
“I met him once at a dollar store,” one fan said of Beckham. ‘Class action. Guy knows how to save.
Another added: ‘Great to have [Messi and Beckham] as neighbors in Miami! They have gratitude and kindness. What more can you ask for!?’
It’s been a great season so far for the Herons, who sit atop the MLS with 34 points in 16 games.
Messi has only started nine as he suffered a leg injury in March and was also given occasional rest by manager Tata Martino.
Atlanta United midfielder Saba Lobjanidze celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Inter Miami CF during the second half at Chase Stadium