David Beckham nearly upstaged Lionel Messi for all the wrong reasons at his Inter Miami unveiling on Sunday night, as he nearly fell over walking out onto the field.

The ceremony for soccer's biggest star was delayed due to a torrential downpour and a lightning storm in Miami and there was still light rain when it was decided to power ahead with the plan for the evening.

And as Beckham, one of the Miami co-owners, made his way out onto the field via a walkway, he was seen losing his balance for a split second with the world's cameras filming him.

Fortunately, the 48-year-old managed to stay on his feet despite a split-second wobble and as he regained his balance, he stood still with his arms outstretched in relief.

It didn't go unnoticed by Jorge Mas - who owns Miami with Beckham - as the owner jokingly waved his arms out in front of him, pretending to slip over as well.

Beckham didn't let his moment of panic unsettle him for the remainder of what was a huge evening for him and his Inter Miami team.

After he eventually made it out to the stage in one piece, he delivered an emotional speech reflecting on his journey as a Miami owner before welcoming arguably the best-ever soccer player onto his team Messi.

'10 years ago, I started my journey to build a new MLS team,' he said to a stadium packed full of adoring fans.

'I said then that I dreamt of bringing the best players in the world to Florida and the great city of Miami. Players who shared our ambition to grow soccer in this country, who would inspire the next generation and help build a legacy in this sport.

'Please forgive me for feeling a little bit emotional tonight. It is a dream come true to welcome Lionel Messi to Inter Miami.

'Leo, we are so proud you have chosen this club for the next stage of your career. Welcome to the family.

'We are also so proud to be joined by the one and only Sergio Busquets. One of the most complete midfield players of his generation.

'We are building a special club here in Inter Miami, a club that cares about the community it serves. Our fans are what makes Inter Miami unique. Together we will create unforgettable memories.

'Like all of you, I can’t wait to see Leo take the field in our colors. Ladies and gentlemen, the next chapter of our story starts here.'

Beckham will be able to watch Messi in action on Friday when Inter Miami plays Cruz Azul in the newly formed Leagues Cup.