David Beckham Delivers Heartfelt Rally Cry as Inter Miami Prepares to Defend MLS Cup Title
David Beckham expressed his appreciation for Inter Miami's fanbase on Saturday before the team's 2026 MLS season kickoff against LAFC, expressing to supporters that the squad remains "eager for additional success" following their 2025 MLS Cup victory.
Following a trio of preseason matches across South America, Inter Miami made their way to the West Coast to face a talent-rich LAFC squad, which includes ex-Premier League standout Son Heung-min, former MLS MVP Denis Bouanga, and veteran Portuguese league midfielder Stephen Eustáquio.
This encounter represents only the fourth meeting between these two big-spending franchises in MLS competition since Miami entered the league in 2020, and will showcase the emerging star-powered rivalry between Son and Miami's Lionel Messi, the back-to-back MLS MVP winner.
Before the game, Beckham, serving as one of Inter Miami's co-owners, delivered a sincere message to the club's fanbase, affectionately called La Familia.
"With the new MLS campaign beginning, I'm thrilled about what lies ahead for our organization," he stated. "Becoming MLS Champions was always our aspiration, but we crave additional achievements and are eager to begin defending our championship today."
As Miami seeks to defend their MLS Cup title, they also pursue additional objectives, including the Concacaf Champions Cup, a prize that co-owner Jorge Mas immediately set as a target moments after MLS commissioner Don Garber presented the MLS Cup in December.
After Miami's season-opening encounter with LAFC, the team prepares for three additional away MLS fixtures against Orlando City, D.C. United and Charlotte FC, before beginning their Concacaf campaign against either Nashville SC or Canadian Premier League winners Atlético Ottawa in Fort Lauderdale on March 18.
Beckham Anticipates New Venue
Beckham Anticipates New Venue
Although Miami will begin their Concacaf Champions Cup campaign on the road in March, the return leg of their matchup will occur at Chase Stadium, where the franchise has competed in Fort Lauderdale since its establishment.
The current former venue will function as a temporary alternative, as the Herons anticipate their official MLS home debut against Austin FC on April 4, when they will host supporters at Miami Freedom Park for the inaugural time, situated nearer to Miami proper.
"We will relocate to our new venue shortly," Beckham continued, as he and the organization eagerly anticipate the launch of MLS's newest soccer-dedicated facility. "I'm excited to welcome you all there. Thank you for your unwavering support."