Inter Miami are edging closer to signing Lionel Messi and completing one of the biggest transfers in Major League Soccer history.
Messi, 35, is out of contract at the end of the season and has various options on the table. It's believed Paris Saint-Germain want him to sign a new contract in the French capital and ex-club Barcelona are interested in luring him back to the Camp Nou.
Yet it's thought David Beckham's influence is helping Miami land Messi. The Manchester United legend, who played for LA Galaxy in the MLS, is the co-owner of Miami and is reportedly using his contacts to persuade Messi to follow his dream and live in Florida.
Messi has previously expressed a desire to play in the MLS and owns an apartment in Miami. As reported by The Times, Beckham is poised to use that to his advantage by agreeing a historic deal with Messi and bring one of the world's best players to the MLS.
Beckham is set to have a direct line to PSG's Qatari owners after controversially agreeing to become an ambassador for the Arab country. The ex-footballer has signed a £150million 10-year deal with Qatar, despite the country's appalling human rights record.
In Qatar, same-sex relationships are outlawed and women's rights are curbed. It's also claimed 6,500 migrant workers died building the infrastructure for the ongoing World Cup - including stadia, hotels and transport links - although Qatar disputes this figure.
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Qatar ambassador Beckham also enjoyed a brief spell at PSG before hanging up his boots in the summer of 2013. Beckham also has a long-term relationship with Messi through their deals with Adidas, as both superstars are synonymous with the brand.
Messi will not be able to join Miami ahead of the new MLS season - which starts in February - because his PSG contract does not expire until June. The Argentina international, 35, is aiming to win the Champions League with PSG this season.
Yet Messi can join Phil Neville's squad midway through the new campaign when he becomes a free agent. Signing Messi would be a huge coup for Miami, as the seven-time Ballon d'Or winner is still regarded as one of Europe's biggest footballers.
Messi has scored 12 goals and provided 16 assists in 20 games for PSG this season to help them progress in the Champions League and go five points clear at the top of Ligue 1. Christophe Galtier's side will face Bayern Munich in the last 16 of the former competition.
Messi is also delivering at the World Cup. Although Argentina lost their opening game of the tournament to Saudi Arabia, Messi has scored two goals in two appearances and was named as the Player of the Match following their 2-0 win against Mexico on Saturday.
Miami are interested in signing a number of superstars ahead of the new MLS season. It's believed Messi, Luis Suarez, Cesc Fabregas and Cristiano Ronaldo are all on Beckham's transfer shortlist. The recently retired Gonzalo Higuain played for Miami last term.
