David Beckham and Lionel Messi have achieved a milestone in American soccer, guiding Inter Miami to victory in the MLS title match on Saturday night.

Inter Miami triumphed over the Vancouver Whitecaps with a 3-1 scoreline, marking a memorable evening for the Beckham family in Florida.

Accompanying the former England and Manchester United icon were his wife, Victoria, and their sons, Romeo and Cruz, along with Cruz’s girlfriend, Jackie Apostel. Notably absent from the family gathering was Beckham’s estranged son, Brooklyn.

Beckham’s journey from player to franchise owner began in 2013 when his MLS contract granted him the opportunity to establish a team at a reduced rate once he retired from playing. Choosing Miami as the team’s home, Beckham faced years of effort before seeing his vision come to life.

It wasn’t until January 2018 that Inter Miami was officially established, following Beckham’s partnership with local entrepreneurs Jorge and Jose Mas. Despite the formal launch, securing a stadium for the team remained a challenge.

David Beckham and Lionel Messi have finally conquered America after winning the MLS title 

Beckham and Messi share a warm embrace after their win over the Vancouver Whitecaps

Beckham (left) celebrates his team’s first goal with his family, who joined him in his suite

The team started playing in 2020, and Messi arrived halfway through the 2023 season. ‘It’s been an incredible journey,’ Beckham said. 

Messi set up the title-clinching goal with a 72nd-minute assist to Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul with a threaded pass through a tiny gap in a wall of Vancouver defenders.

De Paul got it in stride, pushed it into the far corner of the net – and Messi went airborne to hop into his arms a few seconds later, all smiles. 

And as the final minutes ticked away, Inter Miami’s pink-clad fans – most wearing Messi’s No. 10 on their backs – stood and stomped and cheered. The city has seen NFL, NBA, MLB and NHL titles in the past and now it’s a soccer town too. 

Tadeo Allende scored in the sixth minute of stoppage time – off another Messi assist – to make it 3-1. When Messi lifted the trophy surrounded by his teammates, confetti rained down and fireworks boomed.

Inter Miami became the 16th franchise in the league’s 30-year history to win an MLS title.

The trophy is Messi’s 47th for club and country, extending his world record. He’s now won at least 21 titles in one-match final situations, many of them with the core of this team – Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Luis Suarez and Javier Mascherano, his longtime Barcelona teammates.

Busquets and Alba are retiring and got to go out as champions. Suarez´s future is uncertain. Mascherano is the coach now, one who changed Inter Miami’s lineup and tactics halfway through the season – his first one leading the club – with this moment in mind.

David and Victoria Beckham both looked nervous before the game kicked off in Florida

Messi hugs wife Antonella Rocuzzo after securing the latest title in his illustrious career

Beckham said of Messi: ‘He’s not just here to enjoy living in Miami. He’s come here to win’

Beckham celebrates with her other soccer greats Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba

And the 38-year-old Messi, the 2024 MLS MVP who seems like a lock to win the award again this season, still is like none other in the biggest moments with a contract that could have him playing with Miami into his early 40s.

When next season starts, the team will be playing in a new stadium near Miami International Airport with a back-to-back title in mind.

‘He’s not just here to enjoy living in Miami,’ Beckham said. ‘His wife and the kids love Miami, but he’s come here to win, and that’s really what Leo is all about. 

‘He wants to win. He’s got that dedication, the loyalty that he shows to his teammates, to the city, to the club. Leo is a winner. It’s simple as that.’