Former England captain David Beckham, now co-owner of MLS team Inter Miami, made headlines in 2003 when he passed on his iconic Manchester United shirt to Cristiano Ronaldo following his move to Real Madrid. While Beckham has always spoken fondly of Ronaldo,

it is Lionel Messi who he admires the most. In an interview with ESPN Argentina, Beckham praised Messi for his character, personality, and passion for the game. He also lauded the Argentinian star’s performance in the 2022 World Cup, where he led his team to victory.

Messi’s success in the tournament has also fueled speculation about his future plans, with the 35-year-old hinting that he could extend his international playing career through to the 2026 finals, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

Beckham’s admiration for Messi is not unique. Many soccer fans and experts have hailed Messi as one of the greatest players of all time.

The Argentinian star’s incredible skills on the field, his ability to score goals, and his leadership qualities have made him a favorite among fans and players alike.

His success at the World Cup was especially significant, as it allowed him to complete a remarkable medal collection.

While Beckham may be hoping to see Messi play on for many more years, the same can be said for Ronaldo, who is now playing in Saudi Arabia with Al-Nassr at the age of 37.

Despite his age, Ronaldo is showing no sign of slowing down and could be another player who remains at the highest level beyond his 40th birthday.

With both Messi and Ronaldo still dominating the world of soccer, fans around the globe will be eagerly watching to see what the future holds for these two legends of the game.

IN THREE PHOTOS:GettyGetty