Inside David Beckham's Inter Miami - Lionel Messi signing, 'ruthless' sacking and Club World Cup

Inter Miami, the Major League Soccer franchise backed by David Beckham, has seen a meteoric rise since its inception in 2018, but not without its share of controversy.

The team played their inaugural match in March 2020 and made headlines in 2021 when Beckham appointed his former Manchester United and England colleague Phil Neville as manager and signed Juventus striker Gonzalo Higuain as their first marquee player. Despite boasting players like Higuain, World Cup winner Blaise Matuidi, and former Arsenal defender Kieran Gibbs, the team's initial progress was slow with less than stellar results.

However, the tide turned in June 2023 when, just four days after Neville's dismissal, Miami announced the sensational signing of Lionel Messi. With the addition of Messi's ex-Barcelona teammates Sergio Busquets, Jordi Alba, Luis Suarez, and former Barca manager Tata Martino, things started to fall into place.

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They clinched the 2023 Leagues Cup and set a new MLS record for the highest regular-season points total, winning the Supporters' Shield along the way this term. Yet, Inter Miami's ascension to the top of MLS has not been without friction, with rival franchises expressing annoyance at what they perceive as favouritism.

Here, we delve into their journey amidst the latest controversy.

When Beckham appointed his former teammate and close friend as Inter Miami's manager, he was aware that a day might come when he would have to let him go. Neville, the ex-England women's boss, led Miami from January 2021 until June 2023,