to do with the talismanic Argentinian footballer many fans had paid good money to see.

With club co-owner David Beckham watching from the Chase Stadium stands, Inter Miami suffered a chastening 3-1 defeat at the hands of MLS rivals Atlanta United.

Worse still, Beckham’s youngest son Cruz, 19, was also in attendance as the Florida-based football franchise left with red-faces after the unexpected battering in their own back yard.

Beckham, 49, was dressed smartly in the blue two-piece he usually favours while watching the team he founded in 2018.

But the former Manchester United and England footballer’s expression was notably sour as Atlanta enjoyed a comprehensive win over Miami, whose single goal came – unsurprisingly – from Argentina star Lionel Messi.

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Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham was joined by son Cruz as his club lost 3-1 to Atlanta United at Fort Lauderdale’s Chase Stadium on Wednesday evening

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The former footballer’s expression was notably sour as Atlanta enjoyed a comprehensive win over Inter, whose single goal came – unsurprisingly – from Argentina star Lionel Messi

Despite Thursday’s setback, Messi and his Miami teammates remain perched at the top of the MLS Eastern Conference – but only a single point separates them from second placed Cincinnati.

Beckham and Messi were recently praised for their humility after stopping to pose for countless selfies after a recent win against Vancouver Whitecaps.

Messi, who missed Miami’s 2-1 win over the Canadian side on May 25, looked to be leaving a dinner when fans approached him for a photo, including one who put his arm around him.

In a video posted by Instagram account Only in Dade, he could be seen posing for several fans before taking off, and his actions were apparently well-received.

‘These are two of the most humble Superstars out there, and seem to never say NO! [to a photo],’ Only in Dade said afterwards.

‘Met Messi about a month ago… cant lie, the nicest guy and super humble,’ one fan added.

Beckham, meanwhile, was spotted by several fans as he left a Miami Target store with several shopping bags in hand.

The Inter Miami co-owner smiled as he posed with several fans and even signed an autograph for one fan as well.

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Beckham was dressed smartly in the blue two-piece he usually favours while watching the team he founded in 2018

David Beckham teams up with Thierry Henry in new Walkers advert

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Miami’s only goal of the game was scored by their number 10, Argentina striker Lionel Messi

‘I met him once at a dollar store,’ one fan said of Beckham. ‘Class act. Guy knows how to save.

Another added, ‘Great to have [Messi and Beckham] as neighbors in Miami! They have gratitude and kindness. What more can you ask for!?’

It’s been a great season thus far for the Herons, who are top of MLS with 34 points through 16 games.

Messi has started just nine of those, as he suffered a leg injury in March and has been rested on occasion by manager Tata Martino as well.

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Atlanta United midfielder Saba Lobjanidze celebrates with teammates after scoring a goal against Inter Miami CF during the second half at Chase Stadium