As part of Inter Miami’s collaboration with Royal Caribbean International, LIONEL MESSI has been named the world’s largest cruise ship.

The name of the new ship, Icon of the Seas, was revealed by the famous footballer.

14Lionel Messi inaugurated the largest cruise ship in the worldCredit: Getty 14Royal Caribbean’s ship is called Icon of the SeasCredit: Getty 14Royal Caribbean is now a sponsor of Inter MiamiCredit: Getty

The company is now the sponsor of the new jersey of David Beckham’s MLS team.

The club’s away shirts will have the emblem printed on the front.

The cruise operator held an event at the Port of Miami attended by Messi, 36, and his teammates.

The highlight of the occasion was when the Argentine World Cup champion sparked the custom of breaking a bottle of champagne on the bow of the ship by placing a football on a podium.

It is believed that carrying out this tradition for years will benefit the passengers and the fortunes of the ship.

Messi expressed “great pride” at having had the opportunity.

They introduced him to “the icon of icons” and he replied, “Hello, thank you very much.” in Spanish.

“Most of all, I would like to thank everyone at Royal Caribbean for bestowing this honor on me.

“I am very proud of everything this ship means to the city of Miami and to the entire world.

“Therefore, I announce that it has been named Icon of the Seas.

“May God bless him and all who are in him.”

The £1.57bn ship is the world’s longest ocean liner at 1,198ft and weighs 250,800 gross tons.

It has a maximum capacity of 7,600 people.

Royal Caribbean International President and CEO Michael Bayley also spoke at the event.

He said: ‘We built the biggest, baddest ship on the planet.

“It’s really exciting when a new class of ship is introduced, but it’s even more exciting when it seems to be really on point.”

The ship offers a variety of entertainment options, according to the firm.

There are seven pools, six water slides, the world’s tallest water slide, the largest marine water park and the world’s largest waterfall.

Since Messi joined Inter Miami last summer, the team’s rating has nearly doubled.

Sportico claims the club is currently valued at £800m, a significant increase from the £458m it was worth before the attacker’s signing.

The club’s revenue increased from £43m to £100m, making it the third most valuable team in Major League Soccer.

At £900m, Los Angeles FC is the most valuable team in the league.

At £830m, Atlanta United are the second most valuable, and at £790m, LA Galaxy, Beckham’s former team, are fourth.

According to the New York Times, Inter Miami’s jersey is the best-selling in North America, outselling jerseys from teams such as Manchester United, Juventus, Real Madrid and Arsenal.

14 The ship cost £1.57 billion to build. Credit: Getty 14Weighs 250,800 gross tonsCredit: Getty 14 The ship can accommodate up to 7,600 people. Credit: Getty 14There are seven poolsCredit: Getty 14 There are also six water slides for guests to enjoy. Credit: Getty 14 There are also whirlpool hot tubs at HideawayCredit: Getty 14 Guests can also use a games room that has an air hockey table. Credit: Getty 14This is one of the restaurants on boardCredit: Getty 14The ship is 1,198 feet long. Credit: Getty 14 Guests will have comfortable rooms. Credit: Getty