Inter Miami CF co-owners David Beckham and Jorge Mas took in Tuesday’s training session in anticipation of the Club’s inaugural match this Sunday, March 1, against LAFC. The pair began their morning with an official presentation to the team, addressing the players before Head Coach Diego Alonso presented goalkeeper Luis Robles with the captain’s armband for the first time.
Jorge Mas, who joined Beckham’s Major League Soccer expansion bid for the city of Miami in December 2017, then reflected on his feelings as the team approaches its first official match.
“I feel super excited for all the soccer fans in South Florida,” Mas said while looking out at the Inter Miami CF Training Complex, live with action. “Their dream of having an MLS soccer team here is real. For me, as I come to this facility it’s even more real.”
“I’m super excited and looking forward to the kick-off at LAFC on Sunday. I know the team worked really hard and I’m just getting ready to see that. I’m really excited that our community will be able to watch the game on national TV, be at bars and enjoy what fútbol is going to be in South Florida.”
David Beckham, whose journey to becoming an owner of this franchise dates back to when he first joined MLS as a player in 2007, shared similar sentiment. He reflected on his journey to this point and his excitement as the Club’s debut nears.
“Obviously it’s a very proud moment,” said Beckham. “Just to be here now, to see the team for the first time in training – obviously I’ve seen video and clips of the team training over the last month – but to physically be in our facility and to see the amazing work that’s been done and what’s been created here with the team and the players, our family, it’s a very proud moment for us.”
“At this point we’re just very excited to actually get to LA and feel the atmosphere,” he added. “We’re going to enjoy the occasion.”
Beckham also looked forward to the match by highlighting the opponent, the reigning Supporters’ Shield champions LAFC.
“I think the league has been very helpful in giving us our first game against a very good team,” he added with a smile. “We’re excited about that. You always want to pit yourself against the great players and the great teams of the league.”
The co-owners also shared their expectations for Inter Miami. The pair have worked hard to see their shared dream come to fruition in South Florida and this upcoming landmark moment elicited thoughtful responses from the pair.
“The idea is to create a winning team over time, to create a winning culture. I sit down with Paul [McDonough] and we talk about how the team is going to look in the third year, fourth year, fifth year, so that we can get organized,” said Mas. “I’m very satisfied with what we’re building here and I’m very excited for March 14. To see the stadium full, which is sold out, and to live the experience of fútbol of the highest level here.”
“There are huge expectations for Inter Miami, not only in South Florida but around the world. Everything we do is in the news and that’s very positive,” he added.
“We’ve always said from day one, even when I started this seven years ago, that it’s a family. We’re all about family within this Club,” said Beckham. “That’s the way we feel about the players, the staff, the people that have worked tirelessly on this facility.”
“Like I said we’re a family. I think it’s important every player feels that, every member of the staff feels that, and that’s the way we run the Club.”
