David Beckham has joined the wave of tributes pouring in for Lionel Messi, declaring that the Argentine icon’s legacy will endure forever following his decision to walk away from international football.

The England legend, who now serves as co-owner of Inter Miami CF, took to Instagram to share a touching message celebrating Messi’s impact both on and off the pitch.

Beckham described the Barcelona great as a source of inspiration for young people across the globe, crediting him with delivering what he called the greatest gift possible to his homeland.

In his post, Beckham reflected on how privileged the football world had been to witness Messi’s remarkable rise from a young boy chasing a dream to becoming one of the sport’s most celebrated figures.

He praised the Argentine for consistently setting an example throughout his career, both as a player and as a person, noting how his influence stretched far beyond Argentina to inspire millions of children worldwide.

Beckham went on to emphasize that Messi’s contribution to his country would never be forgotten, framing his achievements as a lasting gift that secures his place in football history.

He closed his message by congratulating the forward on everything he accomplished while representing Argentina on the international stage.

Messi’s storied international career includes lifting the World Cup in Qatar back in 2022, a moment widely regarded as the crowning achievement of his footballing journey.

His final appearance for Argentina came more recently, during a World Cup final defeat to Spain, marking the closing chapter of a career that redefined the sport for an entire generation of fans.