FORMER Gala Fairydean Rovers defender Calum Hall says playing against David Beckham's Inter Miami is something he will never forget.

The 23-year-old swapped the Borders for Hong Kong last year when he signed for Eastern SC.

He was named in a special Hong Kong XI who took on Beckham's MLS side, who have record eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi on their books, as part of their pre-season tour. 

The diminutive Argentinian – Hall's footballing idol – and his former Barcelona team-mate Luis Suárez were ruled out of the game through injury.

But legendary duo Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba came on as Inter Miami won 4-1.

"The match was incredible," said Hall, who spent three years with Gala. "To play in front of 40,000 people was something I’ll never forget – the noise and atmosphere.

"The game was really exciting and Hong Kong did extremely well considering Inter Miami are a well-established MLS side.

"When Busquets and Alba came on you could straight away tell these guys were from another level. Everything they did was simple but so effective and done to perfection. That’s probably the biggest difference.

"Although Messi and Suarez never made an appearance, the experience was unbelievable.

"Never did I think I’d get to play against these calibre of players especially considering where I was this time last year.

"I didn’t want it to end!"

Border Telegraph: Match sponsor Graeme Ellis presents Calum Hall with his man-of-the-match award during his time at the ValeMatch sponsor Graeme Ellis presents Calum Hall with his man-of-the-match award during his time at the Vale (Image: David Knox)

Hall, who also played for Vale of Leithen, is living his dream of playing full time after years of juggling working on building sites and part-time football.

During the match, the Inter Miami commentators paid special tribute to his journey.

On Gala's support of his move, he said: "It’s been really nice, I’ve had a lot of messages and people getting in contact sharing past memories of me at Gala and just showing their support to me while I’ve been out here.

"For Gala to get the recognition from the Miami commentators was a nice touch as without Gala there wouldn’t be any Inter Miami game for me.

"So I have a lot to thank them [for] to help me get here."