Obama Hosts David Beckham, LA Galaxy at the White House

MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- Congratulating the L.A. Galaxy on their Major League Soccer championship, President Obama had a little fun Tuesday at the expense of the team’s biggest star, David Beckham.

“He is tough. In fact, it is a rare man who can be that tough on the field and also have his own line of underwear,” the president said to laughter at a White House ceremony honoring the team. “David Beckham is that man.”

Obama jokingly referred to the world famous English soccer star as a “young up-and-comer” and ribbed him about his age. Beckham is 37 -- old for a soccer star.

“Half his teammates could be his kids,” the president quipped. “We’re getting old, David. Although you’re holding up better than me.”

The jokes didn’t stop with Beckham, however. The president also called out several of his teammates by name, including the captain, Landon Donovan, and Ireland’s Robbie Keane, whom the president called “a cousin of mine.” The president has roots in Ireland.

“Together they represent one of the most talented lineups that MLS has ever seen,” Obama concluded.

The Galaxy beat the Houston Dynamo 1-0 last November to take the Major League Soccer title.

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