Ronaldo & Messi inching towards Becks’ Miami
DAVID BECKHAM could ensure Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi end their careers at Inter Miami in the MLS.
And Minnesota United boss Adrian Heath has no doubt the former Manchester United, Real Madrid and England star will make it happen, with Beckham’s MLS new boys already thinking big.
Miami president Beckham (below) has a strong relationship with Juventus star Ronaldo, who is 35 and eyeing new challenges before he quits.
At 32, Barcelona megastar Messi has more time on his side – but Heath believes both superstars could end up playing at Miami.
“I keep hearing there will be a blockbuster signing at some stage and Ronaldo and Messi are the names I hear most,” said former Everton and Manchester City forward ‘Inchy’ Heath.
“That would be incredible for football in the USA and if anyone has the global profile to make that dream a reality then it has to be
David Beckham.
“It might not happen just yet but I can see Ronaldo following in the footsteps of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Wayne Rooney, Steven Gerrard and Frank Lampard by playing in the MLS.
“For Ronaldo and Messi the two obvious destinations if they came to the MLS would be Los Angeles and Miami.
“And with his links to both players and the masterplan Beckham and his backers have in place I can really only see them going to Miami.”
Heath believes big-name Premier League stars will also be watching Miami’s development with interest.
“I honestly believe the MLS has the potential to become one of the top leagues in the world,” added Heath.
“In the past it has been a place for top stars to wind down their careers but I think that will change.
“The arrival of Beckham and Miami will help accelerate that switch in mentality.
“The biggest MLS stars can earn wages of more than £5million a year which is already on a par with some leagues in Europe.
“I’ve seen big strides made in the standards of playing and coaching in my time here and it will only get better with people like Beckham having an influence.”