Beckham and Neymar unite in praise of Messi's character as Argentina reach World Cup quarter-finals

Lionel Messi’s stunning World Cup campaign has drawn admiration not just for his football but for the man behind it, with Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham and former Barcelona team-mate Neymar both publicly praising the Argentine’s character away from the pitch.

Messi, 39, scored his eighth goal of the tournament in Argentina’s dramatic 3-2 victory over Egypt, which secured their place in the quarter-finals. The holders looked destined for elimination when Egypt led 2-0 with 11 minutes of regulation time remaining, before Cristian Romero, Messi and Enzo Fernandez struck in a breathless late comeback. Messi was visibly emotional after the final whistle, shedding tears of joy as team-mates and supporters celebrated around him.

Reacting on social media after the match, Beckham posted alongside a photo of Messi: “This is one very special Human. Not just because of what he does on the pitch but who he is off it.” In a second post he added simply: “Nothing more to say.”

Those sentiments closely mirror comments Neymar made earlier in the tournament. Speaking to DSports, the Brazilian said: “Leo is a much better person off the field. He’s good on the field, imagine what he’s like off it. That’s why I’m so glad I played with him. He’s a great friend. We talk a lot. He knows I love him very much.”

Beckham’s perspective carries particular weight given his role as co-owner of Inter Miami, where Messi currently plays his club football. Neymar, meanwhile, shared dressing rooms with Messi at both Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

The victory over Egypt was not without controversy. Egypt were incensed when a second-half goal from Zico was disallowed by VAR while leading 1-0, and officials declined to review a penalty appeal after Mohamed Salah went down under a challenge from Alexis Mac Allister in the build-up to Fernandez’s added-time winner.

Egypt head coach Hossam Hassan did not hold back in his post-match assessment. “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,” he said. “Perhaps they wanted to keep the world champion in the competition. Perhaps they wanted Messi to stay in the running. The world champion received support at every level.”

Argentina now face Switzerland in the quarter-finals, with a potential semi-final against England — should Thomas Tuchel’s side overcome Norway — awaiting the winners.