After Receiving Flak for $180,000,000 Qatar Deal, David Beckham Divulges on Ambassadorial Role at World Cup

Fans often see the intersection of fame, money, and ethics in the sporting world. It creates a battleground of public opinion. Legendary footballer David Beckham last year found himself in one such controversy. His controversial ambassadorial role at Qatar FIFA World Cup 2022 drew criticism. Nevertheless, Beckham addressed soccer fans by explaining his role in the prestige event held at Qatar in 2022.

The Qatar event saw fans from all over the world getting criticism, with FIFA often intervening. The organizing nation wanted to create a grand image. In its bid, Qatar got several soccer legends on board, with Beckham as one of them. Meanwhile, the reportedly multimillion deal didn’t go down well with soccer fans. The Manchester United legend received criticism for the ambassadorial role. However, the Inter Miami owner has come out with a clarification about his role at the World Cup.

David Beckham has his say on the Qatar ambassador role

The United legend recently gave a detailed interview to The Athletic. Beckham spoke of several aspects, including the Lionel Messi signing. However, the former LA Galaxy superstar touched on the controversy that saw him take center stage last year. Beckham shared his side when David Ornstein, The Athletic reporter, asked about the Qatar fiasco. 

“Anything I go into, I do every kind of check to make sure it is the right thing for me, is the right thing for my business and is the right thing morally,” said Beckham. Meanwhile, it wasn’t his first association with Qatar. The Inter Miami co-owner played for Qatar-owned PSG, where he ended his professional career. 

READ MORE: “There Needs to Be a Change” – David Beckham Wants $4.7 Billion Rich Glazers to Leave Manchester United Because the ‘Fans Want It’

“I was an ambassador of the World Cup in Qatar because I love the game. I also know and have been — not in business — part of Qatar since I signed for PSG. They asked me if I would be involved in the World Cup. I wanted to be involved in the World Cup because I’ve always said this game can change lives, can change people’s perceptions, and when you bring a World Cup into any country, it shines a huge spotlight on issues,” Beckham added, speaking about the deal with Qatar which reportedly netted him around $180 million.

Adding on to the point of influencing the game, Beckham also acted as the catalyst in bringing Messi to American soil by signing him for Inter Miami. The Englishman also disclosed the details about convincing Messi to sign for the MLS club.

Beckham talks about how Messi could change the landscape of the soccer scene in America

Lionel Messi is arguably the greatest player to grace the pitch in the history of the beautiful game. Having etched his name in soccer folklore by consistently smashing records and numerous accolades, his move to the MLS came as a surprise to many. The Argentine reached a decisive point in his career as he enters his twilight years.

Upon the end of his deal with Paris Saint Germain in the summer, the World Cup winner had several options to choose from in his club career. The 36-year-old had a much more lucrative proposal from Saudi Arabia on the table but he rejected it to sign with Inter Miami. David Beckham had a huge role in convincing Messi to ply his trade on American soil and he offered a glimpse of the project he sold the Argentine in the interview.

“Leo has now won everything you can as a player. The World Cup must have been the icing on the cake. He saw this as a project, a legacy and I don’t think many players see that. They see the opportunity to play in different places, but Leo saw he could not just change the face of football in this country, he could inspire the next generation and there’s no better way of doing that than by walking on our pitch in Miami and having all of the kids talking about him, watching and learning.” Beckham said.

“He’s also about making this game bigger and better in this country — he could do that, he will do that and he already has done that. It’s not just the whole of Miami talking about Leo, it’s the whole of America, the whole world,” he added.

David Beckham has changed the landscape of soccer during his playing career and continues to impact the sport with his massive contributions. His efforts to promote the game serve as an inspiration despite the criticism he endured. What did you make of Beckham’s claims over his role in Qatar? Do you agree with his thoughts on the Messi signing? Let us know in the comments section below.

WATCH THIS STORY: American Athletes With Ownership in Soccer Teams