David Beckham predicted "exciting times" ahead for Inter Miami after his team lost 1-0 to Los Angeles FC in their first ever MLS match.
Former Manchester United and Real Madrid ace Beckham praised his players and manager Diego Alonso following the defeat to a goal from former Arsenal and Real Sociedad forward Carlos Vela.
“Very proud moment for our club today and the team did us proud,” said former England international Beckham on Instagram .
“It’s been a long journey but this is only the beginning. To Diego (The Boss) the team and our entire staff… we should be very proud of how far we have come and what the future holds.
“Exciting times ahead.”
Beckham gave MLS a huge boost when he signed a five-year contract to play for LA Galaxy in 2007.
As part of the deal on joining Galaxy, Beckham was given the chance to buy into an MLS franchise at a reduced price.
The 44-year-old is the co-owner of the 25th MLS franchise which, six years after its initial conception, finally played its first game on Sunday.
Beckham’s side showed glimpses of promise in their first outing against a strong Los Angeles FC unit.
Los Angeles only played their first MLS game in March 2018 but have reached the play-offs in each of their first two seasons and last year claimed the Supporters’ Shield, awarded to the team with the best regular season record.
The breakthrough came when Vela, who was celebrating his 31st birthday, produced a brilliant piece of skill and ran across the edge of the Miami area before executing a sublime chip over Miami keeper Luis Robles.
Los Angeles coach Bob Bradley said in quotes reported by The National : "Miami put a lot into it, but we got just an amazing goal.
"Not our best, but winning in that way is important for us."
"When you come to see football and then the game is determined on a play like that, which was a combination of determination, strength, still having an idea of how to get away, the positioning of the goalkeeper - [for Vela] to finish with that delicate chip was just incredible."
