The Mirror reports Beckham had identified Guardiola as his top target to replace Javier Mascherano, who resigned from the Inter Miami role in April, and the club's hierarchy deliberately held off appointing a permanent successor in the hope they could persuade the 55-year-old to take the position.
They had anticipated the World Cup, which begins across North America on June 11, as an opportunity to meet Guardiola in person. He will not be attending the tournament.
The appeal of the role was not lost on Beckham. Guardiola managed Lionel Messi at Barcelona for four years between 2008 and 2012 — a period that produced two Champions Leagues and three La Liga titles — and a reunion with the Argentine at Fort Lauderdale's Inter Miami Stadium would have represented an extraordinary marketing and sporting statement for Major League Soccer.
Guardiola ended his decade at Manchester City after a 2-2 draw with Aston Villa on the final day of the season. He leaves with 17 major trophies from his time at the Etihad, including six Premier League titles and the Champions League, and said his farewell was underpinned by genuine exhaustion.
"I feel I will not have the energy that is required every three days," he said at his final press conference.
His next role, when it comes, is expected to be at international level. Those close to him say England, Spain and the United States are the most likely destinations — all positions that would require a vacancy to emerge first. Thomas Tuchel's England contract runs until 2028. Spain's Luis de la Fuente is contracted until the 2030 World Cup. None of those positions are immediately available.
Inter Miami will now accelerate their search for a permanent head coach. Guillermo Hoyos has been serving as interim manager since Mascherano's departure.