David Beckham watches Lionel Messi run wild for Argentina at World Cup

With the dust of the desert yet to settle on David Beckham’s controversial Qatari role, the man in question was back at work when Argentina faced Croatia in the FIFA World Cup semi-final on Tuesday night.

Beckham was paid £150m to serve as an ambassador for a tournament overshadowed by its host’s appalling human rights record, poor treatment of migrant workers and divisive views on inclusion – namely the ranking of homosexuality as an illegal act.

And he was front and center at Qatar’s Lusail Stadium, where the 47-year-old former footballer joined more than 88,000 fans as Argentina, thanks to the incredible work of team captain Lionel Messi, secured their place in Sunday’s final. .

In the stands: With the dust yet to settle on David Beckham’s Qatari role, the man in question was back at work on Tuesday when Argentina faced Croatia in the World Cup semi-final.

As always, the cameras were focused on Beckham as he watched the South American team cruise to a comfortable 3-0 win over their Adriatic opponents, with Messi scoring from the penalty spot before assisting goal number three with a riveting run outside the box. small area.

Beckham’s 10-year contract with Qatar has been a source of controversy in his home country, where he is commonly seen as a gay icon, but the former Manchester United and England midfielder insists the World Cup can be a ‘platform for progress’ around the world. the Gulf State.

Addressing Qatar’s future in a promotional video released in November, he said: ‘Qatar dreamed of taking the World Cup to a place it had never been before, but it wouldn’t be enough just to achieve things on the pitch. The pitch would be a platform for progress.

Center of attention: As always, the cameras were focused on Beckham as he watched the South American side move comfortably past their Adriatic opponents 3-0.

‘Dreams can come true. That’s why you’re here. You share Generation Amazing’s twin passions for soccer and for making the world a more tolerant and inclusive place.”

Comparing the country’s growth potential to the progress of a professional footballer, he added: “Each of the great players I’ve been lucky enough to play with started out in exactly the same way.

‘In a backyard, park or street outside their home with only a ball and an imagination they dared to let run wild.

Well done: Argentine maestro Lionel Messi scored from the penalty spot before assisting goal number three with a riveting run outside the Croats’ six-yard box.

Questionable: Beckham’s deal with Qatar has been a source of controversy in his home country, where he is seen as a gay icon (pictured during England v France on Saturday)

‘Almost two decades ago, a small group of Qatari football lovers had an equally fantastic dream: to be able to bring the world’s greatest football spectacle to their home country and the Middle East for the first time. And now we are here.

‘Because when dreams are channeled and mixed with dedication and work, they stop being dreams, they come true.

‘I want to say to all of you, ‘today is your day to dream.’ Because there are no limits to what you and your teammates can achieve in our beautiful game.’