It got messy in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday evening, for reasons that had nothing 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 rival Atlanta United.

Worse still, Beckham’s youngest son Cruz, 19, was also in attendance as the Florida-based football franchise suffered an unexpected defeat in front of their home fans.

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.

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.

‘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.