- Inter Miami’s now iconic pink jersey is one of the most popular in the game
- David Beckham has spoken of his pride in choosing the color himself
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
David Beckham has spoken of his pride in personally deciding that Inter Miami would play in pink, despite being warned against it.
With Lionel Messi now in the team, the shirt has become one of the most requested jerseys in the world. The New York Times even claimed that Beckham himself reportedly had to wait for more to be made this year when he wanted to gift one to a friend.
But years ago, when Beckham was planning what he wanted Inter Miami to become and the idea of Messi in Major League Soccer was a wild dream, he decided his club would play in pink.
Speak with The timesBeckham said: ‘Drive through Miami and it’s a very recurring colour. At the time, a lot of people said “don’t go pink”.
‘I was the one who said it should be the main color. So that was me. I’m actually very proud of it. I’m glad I held my nerves and pushed through it.”
David Beckham has revealed that he personally decided that Inter Miami would play in pink
Messi’s arrival in Miami has now made the shirt one of the most iconic in the game
Beckham has repeatedly spoken of his pride in watching Messi play for Inter Miami
The specific shade, according to The Times, is Pantone 1895 C and it’s a color that fans around the world are seeing more and more of.
Messi has had a sensational impact on MLS in his short time as a player in Miami.
He led the team’s victory in the Leagues Cup earlier this year – a win that left Beckham visibly emotional as he celebrated with his players on the pitch after beating Nashville on penalties.
Miami also reached the final of the US Open Cup, but lost to Houston Dynamo – Messi was injured and missed the match. They barely managed to make the MLS post-season playoffs after a disastrous start to the season under former coach Phil Neville.
Beckham had to sack Neville, one of his old friends in football since their time together at Manchester United, and replace him with Tata Martino – a coach who knew Messi from his time at Barcelona and Argentina.
And in addition to Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba followed from Barcelona to Florida.
The 36-year-old Messi has a contract until 2025 with an option for another year with Miami. He earns between $50 and 60 million in the US, with Adidas contributing to his salary through shirt sales and Apple giving him a cut on MLS television subscriptions.
“From day one, he was the dream player I wanted to bring to Miami,” Beckham added. ‘I see him in our kit, I see him training and playing, and I can’t believe we have Lionel Messi in our club.’
Beckham is co-owner of Miami together with the Mas brothers, Jorge and Jose.