David Beckham makes outrageous claim about Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami unveiling and nobody believes him

CHEEKY football fans have reacted hilariously to David Beckham’s claim that almost half the planet’s population watched Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami unveiling.

The Argentine legend was unveiled as the MLS's newest and biggest superstar at a welcoming event in Fort Lauderdale this week, where he was presented with a jersey.

Messi, 36, is believed to be on wages of around £830,000-a-week after signing for the Beckham-owned outfit.

The former England captain and Manchester United icon, famed for his set-piece abilities, has been discussing the impact of the World Cup winner’s arrival at the club.

And during the interview, he made an astonishing claim about how many people had viewed Messi’s unveiling.

Earth has an estimated population of 7.8 billion people - but Becks says nearly half of that figure tuned in.

Golden Balls said: “We have the greatest player in history in our city and in our club, that attracted a lot of attention around the world, something we always wanted.

“We had 3.5 billion viewers during Leo's presentation, it was something very big.”

Becks may have been including repeat views in his astonishing figure, however supporters were not having that as they took to Twitter to troll the icon.

“Beckham puts more spin on the truth than his free kicks,” responded one.

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Another said: “It must be that new math. The math ain’t mathing bro!!!”

A fellow fan tweeted: “I admire and respect Messi but 3.5billion is almost half the whole world's population.

“People who aren't interested in football, babies, people who don't have access to TVs or the internet, hardcore Ronaldo fans, people with better things to do wouldn't have tuned in.”

“Bro confused millions with billions,” claimed a fellow fan, while another asked: “How is this possible if there are 7b people in the world?”

And another response read: “David Beckham should learn Maths again.”

Messi left boyhood club Barcelona in 2021 amid their financial woes and signed for PSG.

He spent two seasons in the French capital, winning the league title twice, before leaving for America on a free.

Messi has been joined in Florida by ex-Barca team-mate Sergio Busquets with Jordi Alba also set to arrive.

And excitement is so high in the States that some fans are paying $110,000 (£84k) to watch Messi’s debut at home to Mexican team Cruz Azul in the first round of the 2023 Leagues Cup on Friday.

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