A strange coincidence could well play out as the World Cup winner prepares to make his debut for his new employers, which will draw further comparisons with the former England captain
As Lionel Messi takes to the field for the first time as an Inter Miami player, the parallels with David Beckham’s debut will be obvious but one key detail could well be repeated.
The World Cup winner is expected to make his bow for his new employers in a Leagues Cup clash versus Mexican outfit Cruz Azul on June 21, which is the same date the former England captain made his first appearance for LA Galaxy. Of course, the latter is now the co-owner of the Herons and had a transformative impact on MLS after signing from Real Madrid back in 2007.
His debut for the Californian franchise came as a substitute in the 78th minute in an exhibition match versus against Chelsea, who were then managed by Jose Mourinho – during the Portuguese coach’s first spell in charge of the Blues. Beckham’s move to the Galaxy had been announced in the January of that year but he spent six months with Los Blancos before finally making the switch to the US.
Taking to the field at what was then known as the Home Depot Center, the free-kick specialist emerged in front of 27,000 supporters as a replacement for American striker Alan Gordon. The 115-time international would go on to play 118 times for the club, scoring 20 times, while lifting the MLS Cup on two occasions over a six year spell.