Messi came on to help inspire Barcelona to edge past Beckham’s Paris St Germain in the Champions League this week.
“He’s one of a kind, there cannot be another like him. Both he and Cristiano Ronaldo, who similarly does not reach the same level, are above everyone else,” Beckham told Telam.
“They may have similarities in technique and talent and it is amazing for football to have them both at this time, but Messi is the best player in the world, simply.
“It is a great moment for Messi, he is a special player and person.”