In a weekend showdown that saw a clash of stars, styles, and social media sass, Inter Miami, helmed by global football royalty Lionel Messi and co-owned by David Beckham, were handed a humbling 4-1 defeat by Minnesota United on May 10, 2025. But it wasn’t just the scoreline making headlines—it was what came after the whistle that really got people talking. Let’s break it down.
Messi Scores, but Minnesota Roars
Lionel Messi, a name that usually spells doom for defenders and delight for fans, did manage to find the net—his 44th goal for Inter Miami since joining the club in July 2023. Unfortunately for him, it was more of a consolation prize than a comeback trigger.
Minnesota United delivered a masterclass in both midfield discipline and attacking execution. The 4-1 thumping marks Inter Miami’s heaviest defeat since Messi’s arrival, despite the Argentine talisman being flanked by former Barcelona comrades Luis Suárez, Sergio Busquets, and Jordi Alba. The pink-shirted Miami squad has now dropped four of their last five matches—an alarming trend for a team that started the season with fireworks but is now leaking points like a sieve.
Head coach Javier Mascherano, another ex-Barcelona name, didn’t mince words after the loss: “If the players’ performance drops, the responsibility is entirely mine.” Admirable accountability, but the clock is ticking on turning things around.
Instagram Smackdown: ‘Pink Phony Club’ Sparks David Beckham Fury
Minnesota didn’t stop with the goals—they kept scoring on social media too. Their now-viral Instagram post featuring the caption “Pink Phony Club” took a cheeky jab at Inter Miami’s signature pink kit while riffing off Chappell Roan’s hit song Pink Pony Club. The post even included a snapshot of the MLS standings, showing Minnesota leapfrogging the South Florida side.
Cue David Beckham. The former England captain and international style icon was not amused. He fired back directly in the comments: “Show a little respect, be elegant in triumph.” It was Beckham’s way of reminding everyone that class doesn’t go out of fashion—even in football’s digital age.
Banners, Banter, and David Beckham’s ‘Respect’ Rebuttal
Just when you thought Minnesota might have zipped it, they pulled out the embroidery kit and stitched a message both literal and metaphorical: a game-day banner that read “History over hype, culture over cash.” The words “hype” and “cash” were—you guessed it—highlighted in pink.
David Beckham, never one to shy away from a PR fracas, replied again: “Respect over everything.” A mic-drop moment, or a thin-skinned response? Depends on whether you’re wearing pink-tinted glasses.
Still, David Beckham’s reaction reignited a long-simmering debate in MLS circles: Should clubs stick to playing football, or is trolling now part of the post-match ritual?
Is This MLS Maturity or Just Meme Warfare?
While the memes were fire, critics argue that Minnesota’s jabs may have crossed a line. The clash raises questions about sportsmanship, professionalism, and where the boundaries lie in the age of Instagram clout.
Some MLS insiders applauded Minnesota’s swagger, calling it “refreshingly bold.” Others sided with David Beckham, warning that too much sauce spoils the sportsmanship soup. Regardless, the league is now squarely in the spotlight—not just for its football, but for the drama unfolding between club admins.
If Major League Soccer wants to boost global visibility, these spicy rivalries may just be the content it needs—though it may want to stock up on PR fire extinguishers too.
Miami’s Form Wobbles: Glittering Roster, Glaring Gaps
Behind all the pink and pettiness lies a deeper issue: Inter Miami’s form. Once touted as an MLS super team, the Beckham-built outfit now looks more like a Ferrari stuck in third gear.
With a roster boasting Ballon d’Ors and Champions League medals, expectations are sky-high. But in football, stars don’t guarantee synergy. Inter’s Supporters’ Shield win last season now feels like ancient history as they sit fourth in the Eastern
Conference, with critics sharpening their knives for Coach Mascherano.
Tactical disarray, defensive lapses, and a reliance on Messi’s magic have exposed cracks in the club’s foundation. Will David Beckham look to shake things up this summer, or will he stick with his current cast and demand better performances?
From Glitz to Grit: Can Miami Reclaim Its Mojo?
The next few matches will be critical for Inter Miami—not just for standings, but for morale. The pink revolution brought Messi to Miami and global eyes to the MLS, but football remains a results game. No amount of Instagram polish can cover up a losing streak.
David Beckham’s message—”Respect over everything”—may have been aimed at Minnesota, but it could just as easily be a call to his own squad. Respect the badge. Respect the fans. Respect the game.
And maybe, just maybe, leave the last word to the pitch—not the comment section.
Final Whistle: More Than Just a Game
In the end, this wasn’t just about goals or GIFs. It was about pride, perception, and the power of the modern football narrative. Inter Miami may be pink, but after Saturday’s events, they’re probably feeling red-faced.
As for Minnesota? They’re enjoying their victory lap—with a side of sass. And whether you think they crossed the line or scored a PR goal, one thing’s certain: MLS just got a lot more interesting.
