David Beckham has made his thoughts clear on Diego Simeone after the pair's infamous clash during the 1998 World Cup between England and Argentina. Beckham was sent off for kicking out at Simeone, a moment that contributed to England's exit on penalties.
Twenty-eight years later, Beckham and Simeone have buried the hatchet. After Argentina won the 2022 World Cup final, Beckham shared a photo on social media with the caption 'Congratulations my friend.' Simeone reposted it, adding 'Good to see you always!'
From Rivals to Friends
Beckham's relationship with Simeone has evolved significantly. In 2023, Simeone appeared in Beckham's Netflix documentary, where Beckham reflected on the red card. 'I made a stupid mistake. It changed my life. I felt very vulnerable and alone,' Beckham said. 'The whole country hated me. Hated me.'
Beckham admitted the incident haunted him long after retiring. 'I wasn't eating. I wasn't sleeping. I was a mess,' he added. 'I can't forgive myself for that. That's the tough part.'
Argentina Connections Through Inter Miami
Beckham's Major League Soccer franchise Inter Miami has strong Argentina ties. World Cup stars Lionel Messi and Rodrigo de Paul play for the club, and 2014 finalist Gonzalo Higuain previously featured. Argentina played a round of 32 match against Cape Verde in Miami, where Beckham and Simeone met. 'Bumped into an old friend in Miami... @simeone,' Beckham wrote on Instagram.
Beckham got some revenge in 2002 when his penalty against Argentina helped England win 1-0 in the group stage, eliminating the South Americans. But the bond now appears stronger than the rivalry.
