Courtesy of BOSS/Mega

David Beckham found himself on the receiving end of boos after declining to choose a winner for the World Cup final between Argentina and Spain during a recent public appearance.

The former England captain took the response in stride but admitted that he was surprised by the frosty reception from sections of the audience.

Fanatics Fest Crowd Boos David Beckham’s Neutral Stance

Beckham was put on the spot at Fanatics Fest in New York when he was asked to predict who would come out on top in Sunday’s World Cup final between Argentina and Spain.

Instead of backing either side, the former Real Madrid star opted to remain neutral, telling the audience he was “going to sit on the fence and enjoy the game.”

The remark did not go down well with much of the crowd, many of whom appeared to expect Beckham to back Spain, especially after Argentina knocked England out of the tournament just days earlier.

Still, rather than taking offense at the reaction, the business mogul laughed it off before admitting that he had not expected the boos from the crowd.

“I haven’t been booed for a while. I wasn’t expecting it here,” said the ex-soccer star, who was on the panel alongside Brazilian legend Kaká.

Beckham Explains His World Cup Final Dilemma

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Before his indecision and the ensuing boos, Beckham offered some insight into why he found it difficult to choose a winner.

He first paid tribute to his time in Spain, where he spent four seasons playing for Real Madrid in the Spanish capital.

“I played in Spain, so I have a huge affection for Spain as a country and obviously for their football team. I think they’ve done an exceptional job this World Cup and they deserve to be in the final,” he said.

The former footballer also acknowledged Argentina star Lionel Messi, who currently plays for his club, Inter Miami, and with whom he shares a close relationship.

“With Argentina, they have Lionel (Messi). He’s an exceptional player, an exceptional person with the right values, and he treats everyone the way they should be treated,” added Beckham.

David Beckham Left Heartbroken By England’s Semifinal Loss

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Despite refusing to pick a favorite between Argentina and Spain, Beckham showed visible emotion after Messi’s Argentina knocked England out of the World Cup.

In videos that have since gone viral, the business mogul could be seen hanging his head in disappointment and fighting back tears following the semifinal defeat.

By his side were his wife, Victoria Beckham, and three of their children, who tried to console him after the loss.

He later took to Instagram to express his heartbreak while also praising the England squad for the effort they put into reaching the latter stages of the tournament. “Heartbreak for us all but memories that inspire and last forever… Thank you to our team, our fans & our country for what you have given us in this World Cup,” Beckham wrote.

David Beckham Reflects On His ‘Surreal’ Hollywood Honor

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Last month, Beckham’s achievements as a football legend and sports mogul received further recognition when he was awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in the Sports Entertainment category.

Taking to the stage at the ceremony, Beckham delivered an emotional speech that highlighted just how much the honor meant to him.

“I must admit that this is all rather surreal,” he said. “I’ve experienced some amazing moments in my career, but to be here in Los Angeles receiving a star on the world-famous Walk of Fame is truly incredible.”

“I have always been a dreamer, but I could have never imagined that an honor like this would come to a working-class English soccer player like me,” he added.

Victoria Beckham And Tom Cruise Pay Tribute To David

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Adding to the memorable occasion were heartfelt speeches from Beckham’s wife, Victoria, and actor Tom Cruise, a longtime friend of the family.

Victoria highlighted how her husband arrived in America with a dream of sharing his passion for soccer with the public and has continued to make a significant impact in that regard.

“I am so proud of everything that you have achieved so far, but even more proud of the husband, father, and person that you have always been,” she said.

Meanwhile, Cruise noted that Beckham’s story is remarkable because of his willingness to put in the work and remain consistent.

The David Beckham Booed After Refusing World Cup Final Pick first appeared on The Blast