David Beckham’s dream of Lionel Messi playing for Inter Miami came true.

Last summer, Messi made the transition to Miami on a free transfer after illustrious stints with European giants Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain.

Since his arrival, Messi has left an indelible mark on the league, scoring 23 goals in 27 matches and leading Miami to victory in the Leagues Cup.

During the SmartLess podcast, Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami revealed, “My vision from day one,

when I presented the team and tried to put the logo together and the colours, the last slide of the presentation to the creative guys was a picture of Messi in the Miami jersey.”

Beckham expressed his disbelief at having Messi on his team, “So my dream was always to bring him to our team.

I still can’t believe it (that he plays for us). Every time someone turns around to me and says you have Messi in your team, it is surreal. To say we have probably the greatest player to have ever played the game, the most successful player to ever play the game, and he’s playing in Miami in the MLS.”

Former English footballer David Beckham, 49, has a social circle like no other, as he and his wife Victoria Beckham, 50,

have forged friendships with countless other celebrities, athletes, politicians and more over the course of their careers.

But the Beckhams’ close bond with the British royal family is arguably their most famous connection.

Ever since they met in the late 1990s, David Beckham has shared a particularly close relationship with Princes William and Harry, as both royal men are huge soccer fans.

“It’s a very normal relationship, with Harry as well,” David told Esquire of their friendship in 2012.

“They’re very easy to get along with. They love their sport. William loves Aston Villa, unfortunately, which obviously I give him a bit of stick about.”

David and Victoria attended both William and Kate Middleton’s wedding in 2011 as well as Harry and Meghan Markle’s wedding in 2018, which is evidence of the bond they share.

Not only that, but Princess Catherine has also been spotted wearing clothing items from Victoria Beckham’s fashion line.

William and Harry aren’t the only royals that David is tight with, as their father King Charles III is also friendly with the footballer.

Most recently, The King’s Foundation announced that David has signed on as an ambassador for the charity founded by King Charles in 1990. The organisation was created with the purpose of creating communities where people, places and the planet can coexist.

Last month, David visited Highgrove Gardens in Gloucestershire where he met with the King, 75, who told him more about the charity.

“I’m excited to be working with The King’s Foundation and to have the opportunity to help raise awareness of the charity’s work,” David said in a statement.

“I’ve always been keen to help young people to expand their horizons and I’m particularly looking forward to supporting the Foundation’s education programs and its efforts to ensure young people have greater access to nature.

“Having developed a love for the countryside, I’m also on a personal mission to learn more about rural skills which is so central to the Foundation’s work.

“It was inspiring to hear from the King about the work of His Majesty’s Foundation during my recent visit to Highgrove Gardens — and compare beekeeping tips!” he added.

It’s been widely reported that the pair share a mutual love of and passion for beekeeping, with David even gifting His Majesty a jar of homemade honey as a coronation gift.

David’s close relationship with the British royal family extends even further than the King, with the 49-year-old a self-proclaimed royalist.

The former England captain met the late Queen Elizabeth II multiple times and he even lined up for 13 hours to view her coffin in Westminster Hall and pay his respects.

“We all want to be here together,” David told the BBC at the time.

“We all want to experience something where we celebrate the amazing life of our Queen.”

David said one of the reasons he wanted to pay tribute to the late Queen was that some of his biggest moments on the football field involved honouring Her Majesty.

“Every time that we stood there when we wore those Three Lion shirts and I had my armband and we sang God Save The Queen, that was something that meant so much to us. Every time that we did it, it was something special,” he said.

On Tuesday, VB shared the sweetest photo of the duo as they held hands and giggled.

The pair looked like two young lovebirds as Victoria flashed the hugest grin while looking phenomenal in a white power suit, while David, who was rocking a buzzcut at the time was very dapper in a blue suit.

The joyous behind-the-scenes image was taken at the premiere of their Netflix documentary last year, Beckham, and in her caption, Victoria simply shared: “Kiss @davidbeckham xx.”

Although Victoria isn’t known for her PDA, when it comes to her husband, she often shares intimate moments between the pair, including a kiss on the footballer’s 49th birthday.

“Happy birthday David,” she wrote, alongside a photo of herself kissing her beloved on the cheek during her own birthday celebrations.

“I love us getting really old together! You aren’t far behind me!!!! You are our everything!!!! The best daddy

and husband we all love u so so much xxxxx @davidbeckham @brooklynpeltzbeckham @romeobeckham @cruzbeckham #HarperSeven.”

Speaking about why he pursued Victoria, David revealed: “I really just fancied her. I did. I just fancied her. I didn’t know what she was like as a person. I just actually fancied her like most people did at that time, and I didn’t know who I was marrying [or] who I was going to be with for the rest of my life.”

David soon fell for the person she was, as the football star added: “I didn’t realise what a strong woman she was, and that is what really attracted me to her more than anything.

“I like the fact that she looks after me sometimes, most of the time, and you know, we’ve created this life with four amazing children, which are the most important things in our life, so that’s why I chose Victoria… the way that she kind of runs the family.

“I like a strong woman, and I like the fact that she works hard. I like the fact that she’s a great mum.”

On Wednesday, May 29, the former soccer player, 49, shared several throwback snaps on his Instagram Stories to wish his older sister Lynne a happy 52nd birthday.

“Happy Birthday to my sis,” David wrote alongside a love heart emoji and a snap of the two when they were kids. “Sorry @lynnebeckhambriggs1972 couldn’t resist but I think you look good 😆.”

In the photo, a young David smiled as he sported a white shirt tucked into dark pants. The Inter-Miami co-owner’s sister also looked smart, keeping her top tucked into her skirt while wearing a short hairstyle.

David then shared another snap of himself and Lynne posing with who appeared to be their younger sister Joanne, 42, at a table.

“HAPPY Birthday,” a sticker across the photo read as the siblings crouched beside their younger sister sitting in a high chair.

The dad of four finished his birthday tribute with another throwback photo of the Beckham siblings standing in order of height and age with Joanne being placed in the front and Lynne standing at the back.

“happy birthday,” a sticker above Joanne’s head read. “@lynnebeckhambriggs1972 Hope you have an amazing day we love you,” David added.

The star has maintained a close relationship with his sisters — who he grew up with in East London — and often shares snaps of them on their birthdays.

In 2020, he celebrated Lynne’s 50th birthday by sharing two throwback photos with the caption, “Happy 50th Lynne hope you have an amazing day sis you deserve it 👵🏼 p.s sorry about the second pic 😂 @lynnebeckhambriggs1972 @sandra_beckham49 @jo_jo_beckham_ @tedbeckhamdavid sorry about the pic dad 😂.”

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Meanwhile, in 2017, David shared a photo of himself and Joanne dancing together for her birthday, writing, “To the most amazing person, sister and daughter anyone could want.”

While David shares Brooklyn, 25, Romeo, 21, Cruz, 19, and Harper, 12, with wife Victoria Beckham, he’s also an uncle to his sisters’ children.

Lynne is the mother of three children, Freddie, Georgina and Josh, while Joanne is mother to daughter Penny.

David Beckham and Mark Wahlberg have had a history together long before the pair had legal trouble with one another.

After Beckham and his family moved to Los Angeles and brought the paparazzi with them, Wahlberg commented that it disturbed the neighborhood’s peace.

“I’m not telling Beckham to take his family home. I’m just not sure why he came to America in the first place,” Wahlberg told Daily Mail in 2009. “Man, we don’t want your soccer.

There’s no way Americans are going to buy the idea of 90 minutes of running around without much happening. Thanks for trying guys, but we’ll stick to baseball and basketball.”

Years later, the pair were seemingly on good terms when Beckham agreed to serve as the global ambassador for F45 Training, which Wahlberg partially owns.

But in April 2024, Us Weekly confirmed that Beckham’s DB Ventures company filed a lawsuit against F45, claiming the company owes him at least $10 million.

December 2009

“Man, the Beckhams. It used to be so quiet on my road,” Wahlberg told Daily Mail. “Then David moves in with his family. Suddenly we’ve got paparazzi hanging out day and night. Now they’ll follow any car that drives down the road. I take strong exception to that kind of thing. When I take my kids to the park I don’t want strangers sticking their lenses into our faces.”

He continued: “Where I come from it’s not considered wise to follow people around like that unless you’re looking for serious trouble. When that happens I start thinking, ‘Either I’m going to get that guy or he’s going to get me.’”

After his 2009 comment, Wahlberg shared that he wanted to ensure there was no bad blood between him and Beckham.

“He wanted me to email him about something – I don’t know if it was a film. I had said something, half joking, because his house is at the bottom of our hill and a lot of people hang around the area. So I said something like, ‘I don’t like him being here because of that,’” Wahlberg told The Sun, per Daily Mail. “I met him and some of his sons and he seems like a nice guy … I wanted to make sure he hadn’t taken that [remark] personally.”

August 2021

Beckham agreed to serve as F45’s global ambassador. “I’ve been a fan of the F45 franchise and training model since being introduced by my friend, Mark Wahlberg,” he said during a press release at the time.

August 2022

Beckham and Wahlberg posed for a snap together during a trip to Canada. “Great few days in Muskoka with family and friends ❤️ wow what a place and yes we laughed a lot & drank a little @markwahlberg @jamiejsalter @tie_domi THE BEST,” Beckham captioned an Instagram post at the time.

April 2024

Beckham claimed in the court docs that F45 had “duped” him into signing an endorsement deal. (He first filed the federal lawsuit in May 2023.)

Beckham alleged that he never received the $10 million he was offered during contract negotiations and claimed he was promised stocks as compensation, which were not given to him.

Wahlberg’s lawyers slammed Beckham’s claims, calling the “fraudulent conduct” accusations baseless in a motion to dismiss, per The Sun.

June 2024

Beckham’s lawsuit against F45 was officially dismissed, keeping the soccer star as an investor with the company.

The pair have barely spoken since Harry left for the US and left his Royal duties behind.

Kate Middleton could be the key Prince Harry and Prince William reuniting amid an ongoing rift between the brothers.

Harry’s departure from the Royal Family and his Royal duties has seen him ostracized by family members with Harry’s comments since his departure certainly not helping.

Aside from one or two official events such as the Queen’s funeral and the King’s coronation, Harry and William have barely spoken to each other.

They were, however, both present for the funeral of their uncle, Lord Fellowes, in Norfolk on Friday, even if they sat separately.

One person Harry was particularly close with before his Royal departure was William’s wife, Kate Middleton. Though, even that relationship is said to have crumbled over the course of Harry’s departure and the subsequent fallout.

Now, according to one expert, Middleton is urging her husband to make up with Harry, believing a reunion would be “one less cloud hanging over” the Royal Family.

Speaking to Fox News, royal author Christopher Andersen said: “Kate was close to Harry, true. They had a special bond. They shared the same goofy sense of humor and laughed at the same jokes. Harry often said Kate was the sister he never had.”

He added: “Of course, Kate would like nothing better than to have the brothers kiss and make up. It would be one less cloud hanging over the Royal Family’s head. But above all else, Kate is loyal to her husband.”

USA reunion ruled out

It was rumored that Harry and William could bump into each other in New York next year. Harry is set to visit New York to ‘advance a number of his patronages and philanthropic initiatives’ and participate in engagements with African Parks, The HALO Trust, The Diana Award, and Travalyst.

Sometimes, the greatest pearls of wisdom and perspective come from our children. (We learn just as much from them as they learn from us!) Recently, Meghan Markle had one of those moments with her daughter Princess Lilibet “Lili” Diana, 3. The Duchess of Sussex shared a rare story about her youngest child, who she shares with husband Prince Harry, and it’s making us so emotional.

 

During a visit to a school in Abuja, Nigeria, today, Prince Harry and Markle talked to some of the school children. While there, Markle revealed something Lili recently told her mom. “Our daughter, Lili, she’s much, much tinier than you guys. She’s about to turn three,” Markle told the kids, per PEOPLE. “And a few weeks ago she looked at me and she would just see the reflection in my eyes. And she [goes], ‘Mama, I see me in you.’”

 

ABUJA, NIGERIA – MAY 10: (EDITORIAL USE ONLY) Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visit Lightway Academy on May 10, 2024 in Abuja, Nigeria. (Photo by Andrew Esiebo/Getty Images for The Archewell Foundation)Andrew Esiebo/Getty Images for The Archewell Foundation

“I see me in you”?! Is that not the cutest thing ever? Markle continued, “Oh, now she was talking really literally,” Markle admitted. Of course, we want to see ourselves in our kids and vice versa, but at not even 3, Lili just meant she could literally see her reflection in her mom’s eyes. Still, it put things in perspective for Markle.

 

“But I hung onto those words in a very different way,” she continued. “And I thought, yes, I do see me in you, and you see me in you.” She looked around the class adding, “As I look around this room, I see myself in all of you as well.” Aww! What a beautiful sentiment.

During the visit, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex played classroom games with the kids. She told them that “singing and dancing” was Lili’s “favorite class” because of “all the jumping around.” While the couple’s eldest son Prince Archie, 5, prefers construction.

Prince Harry and Markle keep their kids mostly out of the private eye, but they have shared some details about their lives recently. In an interview with Good Morning America in Feb. 2024, Prince Harry said, “The kids are doing great. The kids are growing up like all kids do, very, very fast. They’ve both got an incredible sense of humor and make us laugh and keep us grounded every single day, like most kids do.”

 

“I’m just grateful to be a dad,” he added.

 

Prince Harry has received fresh backlash for his alleged attempt to hurt his cancer-stricken dad King Charles with his surprising decision.

 

 

The Duke of Sussex has been accused of using his and Meghan Markle’s children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor, against his own father.

A royal expert has labelled the Duke “obsessive” for his “desire to punish his father” for past wrongs. Adding that Harry is using his kids as “bargaining chips” when it comes to the monarch.

The claims have been made by royal author and commentator Tom Quinn, saying: “His [Harry’s] desire to punish his father for not apologising for the past has become obsessive and it is ironic that he is now using his children in the battle with his father just as King Charles and Diana used William and Harry in their battles.”

The expert, according to the Mirror, went on claiming: “Despite Harry’s attacks on the royal family his father has avoided responding by attacking his son publicly, but privately King Charles is furious. So much so that he is now refusing to take calls from his son.

“Charles believes Harry should let bygones be bygones for the sake of Archie and Lilibet, but he senses that access to the children is being used as a bargaining chip and that, in Charles’ view, is unforgivable

In a surprising turn of events, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have announced their decision to divorce, marking the end of a high-profile marriage that captivated global audiences for over five years. The announcement comes amidst ongoing public scrutiny and speculation about their relationship, which has been under intense media attention since their departure from royal duties in 2020.

The Official Statement

 

The couple released a joint statement earlier today, confirming their separation and emphasizing their continued respect and love for each other. “After careful consideration and mutual respect, we have decided to go our separate ways,” the statement read. “We remain deeply committed to co-parenting our children and ensuring they have a nurturing and loving environment.”

 

A Tumultuous Journey

 

Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, first met in 2016 and quickly became one of the most talked-about couples in the world. Their engagement in 2017 and subsequent wedding in May 2018 at St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle, was watched by millions worldwide. However, their marriage was not without its challenges.

 

From the beginning, the couple faced intense media scrutiny, particularly from the British tabloids. Meghan, a former American actress, was often at the center of controversy, with headlines criticizing everything from her fashion choices to her family background. The relentless coverage and negative press led to a breaking point in 2020, when the couple decided to step back from their roles as senior members of the British royal family and relocate to North America.

Life in the Spotlight

 

Since their move, Harry and Meghan have been vocal about their struggles with mental health and the pressures of public life. In a 2021 interview with Oprah Winfrey, Meghan revealed she had experienced severe depression during her time as a working royal, even contemplating suicide. Harry also opened up about the trauma he experienced following the death of his mother, Princess Diana, and his fears of history repeating itself with his own family.

 

Despite their challenges, the couple has also achieved significant milestones. They launched Archewell, a charitable foundation, signed lucrative deals with Netflix and Spotify, and welcomed two children, Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor and Lilibet Diana Mountbatten-Windsor. Their decision to divorce, therefore, has come as a shock to many who believed they had found stability and happiness away from the royal spotlight.

 

What Led to the Separation?

 

While the couple’s statement did not specify the reasons for their separation, sources close to the couple suggest that the pressures of their new life in the United States, combined with ongoing family tensions and their demanding public roles, may have played a part. “They have been through a lot together, and sometimes that can either strengthen a relationship or lead to a separation,” a source close to the couple revealed.

 

Additionally, insiders have hinted at differences in how they wanted to approach their future. Meghan was reportedly eager to expand their media ventures and charitable work, while Harry was said to have been struggling with being away from his family and homeland.

 

The Road Ahead

 

Despite the separation, both Harry and Meghan have expressed a commitment to co-parenting and maintaining a strong bond for the sake of their children. They have requested privacy during this difficult time and have asked the media to respect their family’s well-being.

 

The news of their divorce has sparked a range of reactions from the public and the media. Some supporters have expressed their sadness and support for the couple, while critics have used the opportunity to question the stability of their relationship from the beginning.

 

A New Chapter Begins

 

As Prince Harry and Meghan Markle navigate this new chapter, the world will undoubtedly continue to watch their journey closely. Their story, marked by love, resilience, and the challenges of life under the spotlight, has resonated with many. While their marriage may have ended, their influence and impact on issues like mental health, social justice, and royal family dynamics will likely continue for years to come.

 

In the end, Harry and Meghan’s decision to part ways is a reminder of the complexities of love and life, especially when lived in the public eye. As they move forward separately, their journey remains a powerful testament to the strength required to carve out one’s path amidst the expectations of a watching world.

 

In a surprising and emotional turn of events, Royal Prince William has left fans in tears with a poignant announcement regarding his wife, Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge. The announcement, delivered from the steps of Kensington Palace, has sent shockwaves through the nation and the world, marking a somber moment for the beloved royal couple.

Standing solemnly before a throng of reporters and well-wishers, Prince William began his statement with a deep breath, visibly struggling to maintain his composure. “My wife, Catherine, has been diagnosed with a serious medical condition,” he revealed, his voice heavy with emotion. “This has been an incredibly difficult time for our family, and we are still processing the news.”

The Duke of Cambridge did not specify the nature of the illness but assured the public that Catherine is receiving the best possible care and is surrounded by her loved ones. “We are grateful for the support of our friends, family, and the medical professionals who are helping us navigate this challenging period,” he continued. “We ask for privacy and understanding as we focus on her health and well-being.”

The announcement has deeply affected fans of the royal family, many of whom have expressed their sorrow and support on social media. Hashtags such as #PrayForCatherine and #StayStrongDuchess have been trending, as people from around the world send their best wishes and prayers to the Duchess and her family.

Prime Minister Alexander Johnson was among the first to publicly offer his support, stating, “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Duchess of Cambridge and the entire royal family during this difficult time. We wish her a swift and full recovery.”

Prince William’s announcement comes after weeks of speculation and concern about the Duchess’s absence from public events. The couple, known for their commitment to various charitable causes and their approachable demeanor, has always maintained a strong connection with the public. Catherine’s sudden withdrawal from her royal duties had sparked rumors and concern among fans and media alike.

 

The Duke concluded his statement by expressing his gratitude for the public’s understanding and support. “Catherine has always been a pillar of strength and grace, and we know she will face this challenge with the same courage that she has shown throughout her life. We appreciate your love and kindness during this time.”

As the news continues to unfold, the world watches with bated breath, hoping for positive updates about the Duchess’s health. In the meantime, the royal family remains in the thoughts and prayers of millions, united in their support for Catherine and her recovery.