Lionel Messi's unveiling was nearly upstaged by lightning, torrential rain and a David Beckham slip

Okeke George Chijioke

Jul 18, 2023

Lionel Messi's unveiling was nearly upstaged by lightning, torrential rain and a David Beckham slip

David Beckham was almost left with a soggy bottom after coming close losing his footing during Lionel Messi’s unveiling.

The legendary World Cup winner was finally presented to the Inter Miami fans after a very long wait. Despite the inclement weather, nothing was going to rain on the Argentine’s parade, as he had a beaming smile across his face throughout the whole event.

However, it was nearly overshadowed by the sight of Beckham almost falling on his backside in front of thousands of people. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid ace is one of the slickest men on the planet, but even he looked fraught with panic.

Beckham was walking across a long podium towards the middle of the pitch at the DRV PNK Stadium when he slipped and came perilously close to landing flat on his face. Fortunately for him, he retained his dexterity and balance.

The whole ceremony was delayed after a huge lightning and rain storm descended on the sunshine state.

When the weather eased off, the club decided to go ahead with the unveiling, in spite of the less than appetising conditions. As he so often does, Beckham looked ice cool wearing a navy blue, Inter Miami branded suit, complete with a sky blue shirt.

@brfootball Close call for Becks 😲 #messi #leomessi #davidbeckham #beckham #intermiami #miami #mls ♬ original sound - B/R Football

However, his shoes were evidently not made for walking across slippery surfaces, as the crowd almost found out in the most spectacular way possible. Beckham’s left foot briefly slid out from beneath him, almost causing him to fall over.

After taking a brief moment to regain his balance and compose himself, Beckham carried on with his catwalk to the other end of the podium. There was no such danger for Messi, who was able to walk towards his new boss without making himself look silly.

Messi’s former Barcelona team-mate Sergio Busquets was also unveiled to the crowd. But as you would expect, there was only one name on everybody’s lips. “We are building a special club here in Inter Miami, a club that cares about the community it serves,” Beckham said to the fans.

“Our fans are what makes Inter Miami unique. Together we will create unforgettable memories. Like all of you, I can’t wait to see Leo take the field in our colours. Ladies and gentlemen, the next chapter of our story starts here.”