'You weren't world-class' - David Beckham the target of bizarre swipe from former Southampton star and anti-vaxxer Matt Le Tissier after posting photo with Bill Gates

Le Tissier took issue with Beckham sharing a picture of himself standing alongside Microsoft founder Bill Gates last year. The pair met at a conference run by the Gates Foundation, with the likes of ex-Chelsea stars Didier Drogba and Michael Essien also in attendance.

Seeing Beckham rubbing shoulders with the famous billionaire sparked a bizarre criticism from Le Tissier, however. The ex-Southampton midfielder was a big critic of the reaction to the Covid-19 pandemic and the UK government's handling of it. A self-described "conspiracy realist", he has been a vocal critic of the media and figures such as Gates.

Speaking on a podcast hosted by former Wales international David Cotterrill, he said: "My stomach turns when I saw that picture of David Beckham, [and] Bill Gates. I mean seriously, why? Why? You're a good footballer, David. You weren't world class, you were a very, very good footballer. At what you did, you were very good. Why are you getting involved? What are you getting involved with that bloke for? Do you have any idea what crimes he's committed... I think it's all part and parcel of that circle, of people of that level."

As co-owner of MLS side Inter Miami, Beckham will have other things to worry about than Le Tissier's rant. The Floridians are preparing for the return of MLS, with the club looking to improve on their 2023 campaign when the new campaign kicks off again next year.