David Beckham’s American Dream came true on Friday night when Lionel Messi – arguably the greatest footballer of all time – lined up for his side Inter Miami.

Initially slammed by European football for making the move as a 31-year-old to Los Angeles Galaxy despite lucrative offers from the world’s biggest clubs, the boy from Leytonstone, east London – the son of a hairdresser and a kitchen-fitter – has now built something larger than perhaps even he could imagine.

A dream 16 years in the making following that controversial move to a largely mocked league that was on very few American’s radar back in 2007, Beckham and wife Victoria have now transcended football itself in the US to become celebrity mainstays.

With the help of Messi, in what has been dubbed the as one of the greatest sports deals of all time – not for an aging Argentinian’s footballing abilities, but rather his name an image – the two could now push football over the edge in America.

As part of the deal, the former Manchester United and Real Madrid great, offered Messi the unmatched glamour of an American dream that he himself only knows too well. David and Victoria have created a glamourous life for themselves that includes a $23 million Miami penthouse, and swathes of celebrity friends.

As part of the deal for signing for LA Galaxy back in 2007, Beckham was given the opportunity to buy an MLS franchise for a fixed rate fee of $25 million once he hung up his boots.

Knowing the potential that had been offered to him, the only question that remained was which location he would chose.

The decision proved rather simple: Miami. The city has a deep-rooted passion for football but is also known for its love of the high life and Beckham, a big name and suited to the lavish surroundings, fitted in perfectly.

Fast forward to 2023, the man widely recognised as the greatest of all time is now lacing his boots for a club that only played its first match three years ago.

With the Argentinian joining the roster, and the prospect of a new stadium, the club is now estimated to be valued at $1 billion.

Messi is now following a well-trodden path of transformational players gracing American soccer with their presence, and the opportunity to grow the sport.

Beckham did it in 2007, as did Steven Gerrard for a short period in 2015, Zlatan Ibrahimović too, and before them Pele showed America what football was in the 1970s with the New York Cosmos of the nascent North American Soccer League.

But Messi’s time in the US is likely to be even greater than his predecessors. He is joining a vastly more established league – largely thanks to Beckham himself and the ties and brand he has created with Inter Miami.

After choosing Miami all those years ago, David and Victoria uprooted their family and settled their base in the Florida city.

Just two-years ago, the family bought a Miami penthouse for a reported $23 million. The apartment in the One Thousand Museum building designed by late architect Zaha Hadid.

As well as the extravagant property’s five-bedrooms, it also came with a luxury swimming pool and even its own rooftop helipad. The 62-story building is 215 metres (705 ft) tall, and is one of the tallest buildings in the city.

With homes in London and the Cotswolds already, the Beckhams chose to plant down roots in Florida as David set up his footballing empire.

Just a few miles down the road last year, the Beckham’s eldest son Brooklyn, 24, married wife Nicola Peltz, 28, at her billionaire father’s home in Palm Beach.

The Beckhams have also made sure the rest of their children have close ties to the city. Their other children Harper, 12, and Cruz, 18, have spent considerable time in the area, including on the family’s multi-million dollar yacht.

Romeo Beckham was even on the books at Inter Miami before heading over to Premier League club Brentford’s youth setup.

But amid all the glitz and glamour, the power couple have still caused a stir in the area as they go about their everyday life: from doing the weekly shop at Trader Joe’s trips to their favourite lunch spot.

A mainstay of Beckham’s Florida life has been trips to Enriqueta’s Sandwich Shop, an inexpensive Cuban sandwich shop where it’s difficult to spend more than $10. 

Leidys Pla, whose family own the outlet, told The Sun: ‘He has a little coffee – he likes Costa Rican coffee and loves the pork or a Cubano sandwich.

‘He’s always very nice and takes pictures with anyone who wants them.’

The outlet posted an image on social media of Beckham recently, captioning it: ‘Family reunion’.