Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the best players of all time alongside the likes of Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo, Diego Maradona, and Pele.
The 37-year-old Argentine forward rose to prominence in Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy before breaking into the first team under Frank Rijkaard.
Messi wrote his name into the history books during his time at Camp Nou, with the Argentina captain becoming an integral part of Barcelona’s success.
During his time at the Spanish club, the Inter Miami superstar lifted a whopping 10 La Liga titles, four Champions League trophies, and seven Copa del Reys.
Messi, who is Barcelona’s all-time top scorer, made an incredible 778 appearances for the La Liga club and scored an eye-watering 672 times for the first team.
The Barcelona legend’s spell at the Camp Nou came to an end in 2021 and Messi went on to sign for Ligue 1 outfit Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.
Messi’s Memorable Encounter with Man Utd Legend
Lionel Messi, the iconic footballer, achieved consecutive Ligue 1 titles with PSG before becoming a free agent in 2023. Following his World Cup triumph in 2022, Messi signed with Inter Miami, where he continues to shine.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has been instrumental for Inter Miami, a club co-owned and presided over by Manchester United legend David Beckham.
Beckham, an ardent admirer of Messi, had long envisioned bringing the former Barcelona captain to the MLS. His dream became a reality when Messi joined Inter Miami, elevating the club’s profile.
Interestingly, Beckham and Messi’s paths first crossed during the Englishman’s stint at PSG, where they faced each other in the prestigious Champions League.
Beckham had moved to PSG in 2013 after his spell with LA Galaxy ended in 2012 and the United legend saw out the remainder of his career at the Paris-based club.
READ MORE: Jaap Stam argues Ruben Amorim should snub in-form Man Utd target who has done ‘incredibly well,’ he is not clear ‘priority’
PSG faced Barcelona in the quarter-finals of the 2012-13 Champions League campaign and secured a 2-2 draw in the first leg at the Parc des Princes.
Barcelona came from behind in the return leg and picked up a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou, with the La Liga club reaching the semi-finals thanks to the aggregate rules.
Beckham played in both legs of the Champions League quarter-final matches and he revealed that his encounter with Messi convinced him that it was time to retire.
“I probably decided to retire when Messi was running past me,” he previously told Sky Sports, as per Marca in 2023.
“[Messi] came on and Barcelona scored. Despite my age, I enjoyed playing and the team was good in both games.
“We did things to be proud of. We didn’t lose to them.”
Beckham on Messi’s Impact in the U.S.
In an interview with former United and England teammate Rio Ferdinand, David Beckham expressed his admiration for Lionel Messi’s remarkable dedication from the very first day at Inter Miami.
“The one thing Leo excels at is teaching,” Beckham shared on Rio Ferdinand Presents in October.
“He’s incredible at mentoring the young players coming through the academy. He treats everyone as equals and ensures no one feels beneath him.
“Leo stays late on the training ground, helping the young players, and even watches academy matches. He’s the first to arrive at the gym and the last to leave.
“You don’t reach his level without that inner drive. I remember his first day at our training facility vividly. He arrived at 6:50 in the morning, hours before anyone else. Training wasn’t even scheduled until 10, but he was there, ready and eager to work.”
Beckham’s insights highlight Messi’s professionalism and the profound influence he’s had on Inter Miami and its future stars.
Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the best players of all time alongside the likes of Manchester United legend Cristiano Ronaldo, Diego Maradona, and Pele.
The 37-year-old Argentine forward rose to prominence in Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy before breaking into the first team under Frank Rijkaard.
Messi wrote his name into the history books during his time at Camp Nou, with the Argentina captain becoming an integral part of Barcelona’s success.
During his time at the Spanish club, the Inter Miami superstar lifted a whopping 10 La Liga titles, four Champions League trophies, and seven Copa del Reys.
Messi, who is Barcelona’s all-time top scorer, made an incredible 778 appearances for the La Liga club and scored an eye-watering 672 times for the first team.
The Barcelona legend’s spell at the Camp Nou came to an end in 2021 and Messi went on to sign for Ligue 1 outfit Paris Saint-Germain on a free transfer.
Messi’s Memorable Encounter with Man Utd Legend
Lionel Messi, the iconic footballer, achieved consecutive Ligue 1 titles with PSG before becoming a free agent in 2023. Following his World Cup triumph in 2022, Messi signed with Inter Miami, where he continues to shine.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has been instrumental for Inter Miami, a club co-owned and presided over by Manchester United legend David Beckham.
Beckham, an ardent admirer of Messi, had long envisioned bringing the former Barcelona captain to the MLS. His dream became a reality when Messi joined Inter Miami, elevating the club’s profile.
Interestingly, Beckham and Messi’s paths first crossed during the Englishman’s stint at PSG, where they faced each other in the prestigious Champions League.
Beckham had moved to PSG in 2013 after his spell with LA Galaxy ended in 2012 and the United legend saw out the remainder of his career at the Paris-based club.
READ MORE: Jaap Stam argues Ruben Amorim should snub in-form Man Utd target who has done ‘incredibly well,’ he is not clear ‘priority’
PSG faced Barcelona in the quarter-finals of the 2012-13 Champions League campaign and secured a 2-2 draw in the first leg at the Parc des Princes.
Barcelona came from behind in the return leg and picked up a 1-1 draw at Camp Nou, with the La Liga club reaching the semi-finals thanks to the aggregate rules.
Beckham played in both legs of the Champions League quarter-final matches and he revealed that his encounter with Messi convinced him that it was time to retire.
“I probably decided to retire when Messi was running past me,” he previously told Sky Sports, as per Marca in 2023.
“[Messi] came on and Barcelona scored. Despite my age, I enjoyed playing and the team was good in both games.
“We did things to be proud of. We didn’t lose to them.”
Beckham on Messi’s Impact in the U.S.
In an interview with former United and England teammate Rio Ferdinand, David Beckham expressed his admiration for Lionel Messi’s remarkable dedication from the very first day at Inter Miami.
“The one thing Leo excels at is teaching,” Beckham shared on Rio Ferdinand Presents in October.
“He’s incredible at mentoring the young players coming through the academy. He treats everyone as equals and ensures no one feels beneath him.
“Leo stays late on the training ground, helping the young players, and even watches academy matches. He’s the first to arrive at the gym and the last to leave.
“You don’t reach his level without that inner drive. I remember his first day at our training facility vividly. He arrived at 6:50 in the morning, hours before anyone else. Training wasn’t even scheduled until 10, but he was there, ready and eager to work.”
Beckham’s insights highlight Messi’s professionalism and the profound influence he’s had on Inter Miami and its future stars.