“Last nite with an icon…and an absolute gentleman,” Khan said in a post on X on Friday.

Beckham had also seen the second semifinal of the World Cup between India and New Zealand in Mumbai on Wednesday. His pictures with Bollywood actors, who were also in the stadium, went viral on social media.

The presence of celebrities further amplified the fervour surrounding the match as they join the multitude of fans.

Khan, who also has a team in the lucrative Indian Premier League, said that he has been an admirer of the co-owner of Inter Miami football club but meeting him and seeing how he was with kids made him realise that the only thing that “out does his football is his kindness and his gentle nature”.

“My love to your family. Be well and happy my friend and get some sleep…” Khan said.