Major League Soccer vice-president Nelson Rodriguez believes David Beckham's 'celebrity' status diluted his impact in the US compared to Lionel Messi.
Beckham made headlines around the world in 2007 when he became one of the first big names to join the MLS, joining on a free transfer from Real Madrid.
The former Manchester United man made 124 appearances for the LA Galaxy across six years. In 2009 and 2010 Beckham enjoyed two loan spells back in Europe with AC Milan before eventually leaving Los Angeles in 2013 to join PSG.
The 48-year-old United hero returned to America at the end of his playing career and formed Inter Miami. The fledgling franchise this year signed Messi, Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba to help change their fortunes.
Read more on manchestereveningnews.co.uk