London, July 8 -- Former England skipper David Beckham paid an emotional tribute to Lionel Messi after the Argentina captain inspired his side's thrilling comeback victory over Egypt, praising not only the World Cup legend's brilliance on the pitch but also his character away from football.

Beckham, the co-owner and president of Inter Miami CF, shared two Instagram stories after Argentina's dramatic FIFA World Cup 2026 Round of 16 triumph, celebrating the player he spent years persuading to join the Major League Soccer club in one of the biggest transfers in football history.

"This is one very special Human. Not just because of what he does on the pitch but who he is off it," Beckham wrote alongside a picture of Messi.

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