MIAMI _ Major League Soccer is suspended for at least 30 days due to the coronavirus outbreak, but that didn't keep David Beckham from showing up at Inter Miami CF Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Beckham took his wife Victoria and four children � Brooklyn, Romeo, Cruz, Harper _ to the empty 19,000-seat venue, where the team he co-owns had been scheduled to make its historic home debut against his former team, the Los Angeles Galaxy.
The sun was shining and music from the Spice Girls _ Victoria Beckham's former group _ played through the loudspeakers as the Beckhams toured the stadium. They then kicked the ball around next door at the team's practice facility.
"It's times like these when we are reminded of the things that are truly important in life," Beckham wrote. "Our health, our loved ones, and looking after those that need support in our communities. In these moments, sport takes a back seat. We must all listen to expert advice and do the right thing. Stay safe and look out for yourselves and your families."
Inter Miami players, who will continue to train during the league's suspension, posted video messages to their fans on social media.
"I just want to share with you that we were really excited to play in front of our amazing fans Saturday in our historic home opener, but the situation at hand is more important than soccer," said captain and goalkeeper Luis Robles. "We support our club as well as MLS decision to postpone until further notice because of the health and safety of everyone is the most important thing. In the meantime, we'll continue to work hard and know that together we can accomplish amazing things this season. Please everyone, stay safe and thank you for your continued support."
Midfielder Rodolfo Pizarro, who last week scored the team's historic first goal during a road game at D.C. United, said in a video statement: "We were very excited to play in front of all of you, but this situation is much bigger than soccer. We know that health comes first. We'll keep preparing so when the moment comes, we will give the fans a lot of joy."
"Back soon," wrote rookie forward Robbie Robinson, who will use the time off to recover from a right knee injury. Argentine forward Julian Carranza is also rehabbing a foot injury.
Co-owner Jorge Mas said he is confident the team will get to play its full 34-game schedule. "We have sufficient flexibility because it is early in the season, we are just in our third week," he said. "Players will keep training and practicing. There'll be no change in routine, except hygiene. We will limit access to players in the training facility over the course of the next four weeks. It's a deferral, not a cancelation."
Tickets from the suspended games will be honored once the new dates are determined.
