David Beckham declares Lionel Messi the GOAT, ignores Cristiano Ronaldo in top three picks

Co-owner of Inter Miami David Beckham has praised Lionel Messi as the greatest football player of all time, with one notable exception: he did not include Cristiano Ronaldo in his top three choices. Fans frequently compare Messi and Ronaldo against famous players like Diego Maradona and Pele in the almost two-decade-long argument over who should be crowned the greatest of all time (GOAT).

As their legendary careers draw to an end, both Messi and Ronaldo have made major moves away from European football. Messi is currently playing for Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer, while Cristiano Ronaldo, his longstanding nemesis, is playing for Al Nassr in Saudi Arabia.

During an occasion in New York City, David Beckham, who was instrumental in arranging Messi's transfer to Inter Miami, talked about the elements that went into the star's choice. The Manchester United legend claimed that Messi, an eight-time winner of the Ballon d'Or, was determined to locate a place where his family could prosper, which is what finally convinced him to move to the warm beaches of Miami. 

Though opinions may differ, Beckham feels that Lionel Messi is the best player the six-year-old organization has signed. He also stated that he will always maintain his position that Messi is the best. "To be able to say that we've signed the world's greatest ever player to play the game is something special. Everyone has their perspective on who they believe is the best of all time—whether it be Diego Maradona, Pele, or any of the other greats," Beckham shared with USA Today. "We have in the MLS, in Miami, the greatest player to play the game; it's just like a dream come true."

Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo not even in contention for winning Ballon d'Or

It seems doubtful that either Messi or Ronaldo would add another trophy to their collections because they have each proposed three players who may win the coveted Ballon d'Or in the future. Both Messi and Yamal decided to focus on developing potential, especially Barcelona's rising star Lamine Yamal, whom Messi recalled as a child and who was nominated for the Ballon d'Or this year.