Beckham and Messi Make History Together as Inter Miami Captures First-Ever MLS Cup Title
FORT LAUDERDALE – David Beckham stands as one of Major League Soccer's most influential figures and reached a historic achievement on Saturday when his co-owned Inter Miami claimed their inaugural MLS Cup championship.
Powered by Lionel Messi's two assists, the Herons triumphed over Thomas Müller's Vancouver Whitecaps 3–1 before a capacity crowd in their final game at Chase Stadium, prior to launching Miami Freedom Park in 2026.
This triumph established Beckham as the first individual to secure MLS Cup glory both as a competitor and as an owner, having previously won in 2011 and 2012 during his tenure with LA Galaxy after entering the league in 2007.
"This signifies everything. Clearly, I began this path more than 19 years ago and this was always my aspiration, to establish a franchise in this city and achieve greatness," Beckham, who co-owns Inter Miami with Jose and Jorge Mas, told FOX Soccer.
"[The MLS Cup victory] has felt quite extraordinary and represents a moment I'll treasure eternally, having been a competitor who earned it and now being an owner who has achieved it with this squad, and these supporters."
Through his agreement to join MLS following his European career, Beckham secured rights to a future expansion franchise for $25 million, which ultimately became Inter Miami and the 2025 MLS Cup victors.
In contrast to his predetermined expansion cost, Nashville SC invested $150 million to join the league alongside Inter Miami, while the latest expansion franchise, San Diego FC, which launched in 2025, contributed $500 million.
David Beckham's Record in MLS Cup
Year | Role | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
2009 | Player (LA Galaxy) | Loss (Real Salt Lake on pens) |
2011 | Player (LA Galaxy) | Win (1–0 vs. Houston) |
2012 | Player (LA Galaxy) | Win (3–1 vs. Houston) |
2025 | Owner (Inter Miami) | Win (3–1 vs. Vancouver) |
No Immediate Triumph with Inter Miami or LA Galaxy
Although Beckham's initial MLS experience was challenging and marked by aspirations to return to Europe, his eventual achievement in consecutive championships created a contemporary dynasty, as he partnered with U.S. men's national team standout Landon Donovan and other promising talents.
"One aspect was certainly my move to Los Angeles, but the subsequent one was owning the franchise and my commitment to America and MLS was to acquire the finest player, and we secured the finest player, and now we've achieved success this evening," Beckham shared with The Athletic. "This evening represents one of those occasions I'll never forget."
Inter Miami experienced a comparable gradual progression to success after enduring challenges before signing Messi in 2023, when the club ranked last in the Eastern Conference and had never reached the MLS Cup playoffs prior to 2024.
"There were numerous restless evenings, but I consistently had faith in Miami," Beckham continued with MLS Season Pass following MLS Cup. "I consistently believed in establishing the team here. I discovered the ideal partners, and when I found the ideal partners, I understood that everything was achievable."
With his third overall MLS championship secured, Beckham will focus on collaborating with the Mas brothers to continue developing Inter Miami as they transition into a new era following the retirement of Barcelona icons, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba.