David Beckham speaks for first time since finally receiving a knighthood – as the Inter Miami owner watches Lionel Messi and Co toil in opening game of the Club World Cup

Sir David Beckham was pitchside for Inter Miami’s Club World Cup opener just 24 hours after receiving his long-awaited knighthood.

On Friday the former England captain was recognised for his services to sport and charity as part of the King’s Birthday Honours list.

Beckham was seen for the first time since the announcement in the United Statse for Inter Miami’s clash with Egyptian side Al Ahly that marked the commencement of the revamped tournament.

Despite having multiple football legends, including Lionel Messi, at their disposal, Miami were consistently frustrated by their opposition and were unable to break the deadlock at the Hard Rock Stadium.

Messi came closest deep into stoppage time with an ambitious strike from outside the penalty box but Al Ahly held firm as the game ended level.

Meanwhile Beckham could be seen catching up with his former Real Madrid team-mate Ronaldo in the stands.

The 50-year-old was recognised for his services to sport and charity as part of the King’s Birthday Honours list

But an Inter Miami side featuring Lionel Messi were unable to get their tournament underway with a win on Saturday

Prior to the game the newly-knighted Beckham was jokingly asked whether he had had time to update his passport to reflect the honour.

‘No definitely not I haven’t,’ Beckham said on DAZN.

‘It’s been an emotional week I must admit. For me and for my family. It’s obviously very special. 

‘It’s a huge honour, but one that has been shared with myself and my family and so, it’s been emotional.’

The honour had been a long time coming for the former Manchester United midfielder, and he had previously been slated to receive the award in 2014.

However, on that occasion a ‘red flag’ involving his taxes ultimately nixed the award being bestowed on Beckham, reportedly leaving him furious. 

Emails leaked at the time suggested he had savaged the nominations committee as ‘unappreciative c***s’ and branded their decision ‘a disgrace, to be honest’, although his office subsequently insisted they had been doctored by a hacker.