David Beckham has gotten the last laugh over Hollywood star Mark Wahlberg in their feud thanks to the MLS's new superstar, Lionel Messi.
The pair have been locked in a legal battle since the former Manchester United star sued him alongside F45 founders Adam Gilchrist and Rob Deutsch. Beckham's company, DB Ventures Ltd, claims that Wahlberg "duped" him into collaborating with F45, leading to losses reportedly as high as $10.5 million.
Wahlberg initially hinted at being opposed to the former Galactico moving to the United States, telling The Mirror US via the Daily Mail back in 2009:
"Man, the Beckhams. It used to be so quiet on my road. 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."
The 'Ted' actor also went on to state that he didn't see a bright future for football in America, saying:
"I'm not telling Beckham to take his family home. I'm just not sure why he came to America in the first place. 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."
Lionel Messi's arrival in MLS has however helped David Beckham to prove the Hollywood actor wrong and win the country over to the sport. The star power and marketability of the World Cup winner make him the biggest attraction in every city he visits with Inter Miami.
David Beckham's Inter Miami win again thanks to Lionel Messi Brace in MLS victory over New England Revolution
David Beckham's Inter Miami franchise continued its fine run in the MLS with a comfortable victory over the New England Revolution thanks to Lionel Messi. The Argentine maestro was the difference maker again for the Herons on Saturday, April 27. He helped strengthen the Miami-based club's hold on the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
The match at the Gillette stadium was an instant fireworks show, with the hosts taking the lead in the first minute through Tomas Chancalay. The visitors drew level in the 32nd minute through Lionel Messi.
He continued his fine run of form in the MLS for David Beckham's side with a 67th-minute strike to give his side the lead. USMNT starlet Benjamin Cremanschi doubled the Herons' advantage in the 83rd minute after he tapped in a follow-up from the World Cup winner's shot. Messi then turned provider, feeding his former Barcelona teammate Luis Suarez in the 88th minute to make it 4-1.