FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — David Beckham has always pushed boundaries in soccer. He made headlines in 2007 when he joined Major League Soccer (MLS) and is still making waves today.
Recently, Beckham, now the co-owner of Inter Miami, became the first person to win the MLS Cup both as a player and an owner. His team triumphed over the Vancouver Whitecaps with a score of 3-1.
As a player, Beckham celebrated his first MLS Cup wins with the LA Galaxy in 2011 and 2012. This latest victory marks a remarkable milestone for him after his active playing days. “It has to be one of the greatest moments in my career,” Beckham shared with The Athletic. “I don’t think that’s been done before, so that’s a nice thing to do first.”
When Beckham signed with the Galaxy, he changed the course of soccer in the U.S. The league even created the Designated Player rule, allowing teams to pay a player like him beyond the salary cap limits. This move not only enhanced the league’s visibility but also improved player conditions and infrastructure across clubs.
Since then, Beckham’s journey has come full circle. After launching Inter Miami and facing several ups and downs, they revitalized the team by signing Lionel Messi in 2023. Messi made impressive contributions, setting a record with 15 goal involvements in just six postseason games.
Beckham’s leadership and vision were clear when he stated, “I always promised to help improve this sport in America.” Miami’s journey wasn’t easy. In their first few seasons, they struggled performance-wise. However, they are now reaping the rewards, culminating in this MLS Cup victory.
Now, Miami looks to the future. They’re gearing up to open a new stadium, Miami Freedom Park, in 2026. With Messi committed to the team through 2028, the excitement surrounding Inter Miami continues to grow.
This victory isn’t just a personal win for Beckham; it’s a defining moment for soccer in the U.S. His early efforts alongside his desire to elevate the sport have turned dreams into reality. As he said, winning the MLS Cup filled his “ultimate dream.”
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Los Angeles Galaxy, Vancouver Whitecaps FC, England, Inter Miami CF, MLS, Soccer
