David Beckham has praised Lionel Messi's off-pitch conduct, saying the Argentina legend is "one very special Human" who is kind and generous beyond his football skills.
What happened?
Lionel Messi's Argentina team has reached the quarter-finals of the World Cup, with Messi scoring eight goals so far, including a dramatic strike against Egypt that helped turn the match around.
Why it matters for David Beckham
As a co-owner of Inter Miami, where Messi now plays his club football, Beckham has a unique perspective on the Argentine's character. He has praised Messi's kindness and generosity, saying he is a much better person off the pitch than on it.
What comes next?
Argentina will face Switzerland in the quarter-finals, with a win setting up a semi-final showdown with England if Thomas Tuchel's side can overcome Norway in their last-eight tie.
David Beckham's admiration for Messi's off-pitch conduct is not unique – his Brazilian colleague Neymar has also praised the Argentine's kindness and generosity. Speaking to DSports, Neymar said: "Leo is a much better person off the field. He's good on the field, imagine what he's like off it."
The praise for Messi comes as Egypt were left incensed by a series of contentious decisions in their match against Argentina. A second-half strike from Zico was controversially disallowed by VAR, and officials declined to review a penalty appeal after Mohamed Salah went to ground under a challenge from Alexis Mac Allister in the build-up to Fernandez's added-time winner.
Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan raged: "We looked better than the reigning champions, better in everything, but the result was influenced by internal factors on the pitch and external factors off it."
Argentina have now turned their attention to the quarter-final against Switzerland, which gets underway at 2am on Sunday UK time. A win would set up a semi-final showdown with England if Thomas Tuchel's side can overcome Norway in their last-eight tie.
Beckham's praise for Messi is a testament to the Argentine's character, and his ability to inspire his teammates on and off the pitch. As Argentina continues its World Cup run, it will be interesting to see how Messi's kindness and generosity continue to inspire his team.