In 2013, David Beckham retired after a short stint at Paris Saint-Germain. A hard decision to make but which came about after meeting Lionel Messi and Barça in the Champions League.
David Beckham and Lionel Messi have one thing in common, they both wore the jersey of Paris Saint Germain. Linked to the red and blue crest like the former England international (115 caps, 17 goals), the seven-time Ballon d’Or is also linked to David Beckham’s retirement from sport. After a five-year exile in the United States, the living legend of Manchester United with 394 caps decided to join Paris and the QSI project set up two years earlier. A last challenge which gave him a title of champion of France with PSG, the first of the seven championships gleaned since. But this latest challenge also made it clear it was time to quit football. A hard observation to make after 21 years at the highest level but inevitable, especially after having crossed paths with the Argentinian.
David Beckham: ‘I decided to stop when Messi overtook me’
????️ David Beckham: “I decided to retire because of Lionel Messi.” pic.twitter.com/rV6eWHxagH
— Barca Worldwide (@BarcaWorldwide) March 7, 2022
Everything happened during this quarter-final of the Champions League between PSG of Beckham, Ibrahimovic and Barça of Messi, Xavi or Iniesta. Yet undefeated over the two games (3-3), PSG is eliminated because of the away goal rule. An elimination which also reasoned David Beckham to hang up his crampons. Tea Daily Star publishes that Lionel Messi has something to do with it. “I probably decided to retire when Messi passed me. Despite my age, I enjoyed playing and the team was good in both games. We have done things we can be proud of. We didn’t lose to them.” said David Beckham. Today president of Inter Miami, a brand new MLS franchise, the former midfielder who is going on his 47th birthday does not refrain from bringing Lionel Messi to Florida. “We have great opportunities in Miami” confessed David Beckham to the British media. When you arrive in front of Leo Messi you have only one thing to do, pray.
