Phil Neville makes modest Lionel Messi point and opens up on David Beckham sacking him at Inter Miami

Phil Neville has opened up about being sacked by friend and former Manchester United team-mate David Beckham at Inter Miami, and being denied the chance to manage Lionel Messi.

The former Manchester United was appointed manager of the MLS side, co-owned by Beckham, in January 2021 and spent two-and-a-half years in the job. After a poor start to the current campaign, Neville was sacked in June, leaving the team bottom of the Eastern Conference with 15 points from as many league games, just weeks before Messi's arrival was confirmed.

Neville and Beckham are two of the Class of 92 contingent that co-own Salford City and given their close relationship, Neville admitted it was a difficult conversation for both when the parting of ways came.

READ: Rasmus Hojlund shares exciting fitness update ahead of Manchester United debut

"It was one that, in a way, filled me with pride with the respect they had for me,” Neville told the Offside with Taylor Twellman podcast. “My best friend, one of my lifelong friends, delivered the news that I wasn't going to work for Inter Miami and that was really hard.

"Hard for David, hard for me but it was actually a really special moment between two people who have total respect and love for each other. I don't have any bitterness and I don't look back.”

Following that conversation, it proved to be a whirlwind few days for both Neville and Beckham. The ex-England Women manager was swiftly appointed as an assistant manager for Canada's men's national team, while Beckham was on the verge of completing the marquee signing of Lionel Messi for Inter Miami.

The team’s fortunes have been transformed by Messi’s arrival, with the Argentinian legend helping fire Inter Miami to the Leagues Cup final,