Former Manchester United legend David Beckham has put an end to the longstanding ‘Greatest of All Time’ (GOAT) debate in football by unequivocally declaring Lionel Messi as the ultimate maestro of the sport.
Speaking on Jimmy Kimmel’s talk show, Beckham, who is currently co-owner of Major League Soccer team Inter Miami, expressed his admiration for the Argentine sensation, referring to him as “the greatest player to ever play the game.” This declaration comes amidst Messi’s stint with Inter Miami, where Beckham aimed to harness Messi’s influence to inspire the younger generation.
“It’s just that effect that Leo has on the game and the world,” Beckham emphasized, highlighting Messi’s unparalleled impact on football globally. “One of the reasons we wanted to bring him to America was to inspire the next generation. That was my plan.”
Reflecting on his personal admiration for Messi, Beckham revealed his long-standing desire to see Messi join his team, expressing gratitude that the dream eventually materialized. “I have played against him twice, but I’ve been a fan of him and watched him for many years. And I always had the plan to bring the greatest player to ever play the game, in my opinion, to our team. Luckily, it happened.”
Beckham’s bold statement also addressed the perennial debate between Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, stating, “I think everyone’s got their own opinion. There are a lot of great players who have played the game over the years, but in my opinion, he is the perfect player.”
The football world is abuzz with Beckham’s declaration, sparking renewed discussions on Messi’s unmatched talent and contributions to the beautiful game. With Beckham’s endorsement, Messi’s legacy as the GOAT appears more cemented than ever before.
