David Beckham on Lionel Messi Future: Inter Miami Owner Drops Emotional Hint After Argentina Win

When Lionel Messi scored twice in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Venezuela, most fans celebrated yet another masterclass from the man many regard as the greatest footballer of all time. But the bigger story wasn’t the goals. It was what came after. On Instagram, Messi cast doubt on whether he will still be around for the 2026 World Cup, writing: “Only God knows” what the future holds.

Now, David Beckham – co-owner of Inter Miami, Messi’s current club – has entered the conversation. In a heartfelt social media message, Beckham praised Messi’s relentless drive and hinted that the 38-year-old’s story with Argentina might not be over just yet.

David Beckham drops heartfelt message about Lionel Messi’s future

Beckham’s post was more than just a congratulatory note. It was personal. Writing on Instagram, he said: “A special night for a special person… Everything has been achieved but he still wants more, not for himself but for his country… Last night Argentina celebrated Leo in the way he truly deserves… felicitaciones leo.”

The message struck a chord because it touched on something everyone sees in Messi: he’s already achieved everything in football – seven Ballon d’Ors, four Champions Leagues with Barcelona, countless league titles, and that magical 2022 World Cup win in Qatar – but he still wants more. And Beckham’s words suggest that the hunger that drove Messi for nearly two decades hasn’t left him.

It’s also worth remembering that Beckham, as a former England captain and global icon, knows the pressure of carrying a nation on his shoulders. His admiration for Messi feels genuine, like one legend recognizing the sacrifices of another.

Lionel Messi and Argentina: a career written in gold

Messi scored twice as the reigning world champions

To understand why this latest hint about Messi’s future matters, you need to look back at his Argentina journey. He made his debut in August 2005 as a skinny teenager, already carrying expectations because of his Barcelona rise. Over the next 19 years, he became Argentina’s most-capped player (194 appearances) and all-time top scorer (114 goals).

For years, however, Messi was haunted by near-misses. Losing finals in 2014 (World Cup) and twice in the Copa América left many wondering if he would ever get his fairytale with the national team. Some even unfairly accused him of not loving Argentina as much as Barcelona.

All of that changed in 2021 when Argentina won the Copa América in Brazil, beating their great rivals in the Maracanã. It was Messi’s first major international trophy, and the tears in his eyes told the story. Then came 2022 in Qatar – the crowning moment. Messi scored twice in that unforgettable World Cup final against France, guiding Argentina to glory in what many consider the greatest World Cup match ever played.

Since then, every match in the Argentina shirt feels like a bonus. Which is why his “Only God knows” message about 2026 struck fans like a warning: the end could be near.

Inter Miami and Beckham’s Messi dream

For Beckham and Inter Miami, Messi’s presence is already historic. Since joining MLS in 2023, Messi has transformed the league’s visibility worldwide. Stadiums sell out, TV ratings spike, and fans travel thousands of miles just to see him. For Beckham, who built Inter Miami with the vision of signing global superstars, Messi’s arrival was the ultimate validation.

But Messi’s international future matters just as much to Beckham. Inter Miami doesn’t just have a global player – they have Argentina’s captain, a man whose every step is followed by millions. If Messi continues with Argentina until 2026, that means he’ll be playing the World Cup in the United States – right on Beckham’s home turf with Miami as his club base.

For Beckham, who helped bring the 2026 World Cup to North America during his ambassadorial work with FIFA, the idea of Messi still leading Argentina next summer is a dream scenario. It would mean Messi’s farewell tour could happen in the very country where Beckham has built his football empire.

What next for Lionel Messi and Argentina?

Inter Miami and Beckham’s Messi dream

Argentina still have one qualifier left this window – an away trip to Ecuador – but Messi won’t feature. Instead, he’ll return to Miami for club duty when Inter face Charlotte on September 14.

In the bigger picture, though, the question remains: does Messi have one more World Cup in him? He will be 39 by the time the tournament kicks off in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. For an outfield player, that’s an age where most are long retired. But then again, Messi has never been “most players.”

Physically, he’s not the same as the 25-year-old who tore Real Madrid apart at the Bernabéu or the 30-year-old who carried Barcelona single-handedly in La Liga. Yet his brain, touch, and vision remain unmatched. He no longer needs to run past defenders every time – he just needs one pass, one touch, one finish.

For Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, keeping Messi involved as long as possible makes sense. Even if he isn’t playing 90 minutes every game in 2026, having him around the squad would be priceless. His leadership, aura, and ability to decide games with a moment of genius could still make the difference between success and heartbreak.

David Beckham, Lionel Messi, and the meaning of legacy

Beckham’s message wasn’t just about football. It was about legacy. He knows that Messi’s story isn’t simply about goals or trophies – it’s about inspiration. Millions of kids worldwide grew up copying his dribbles, wearing his number 10 shirt, and believing that size doesn’t matter if you’ve got talent and heart.

By saying “he still wants more,” Beckham was hinting that Messi’s legacy isn’t finished yet. Maybe that means another Copa América in 2024. Maybe it means one final World Cup run in 2026. Or maybe it’s just about continuing to inspire, whether in Miami, Buenos Aires, or beyond.

Either way, Beckham’s words show how much Messi still means to the game – not just in Argentina or the U.S., but everywhere football is played.

Conclusion: Lionel Messi’s future remains unwritten

So where does this leave us? For now, Messi will take a break from Argentina duty and return to Inter Miami. Beckham will continue to cherish every moment his superstar plays in pink. And fans will hold on to hope that “Only God knows” might mean there’s still one more World Cup left in those magical boots.

What is certain is this: whether he stops in 2024, 2026, or beyond, Lionel Messi has already given football everything. And as Beckham reminded us, the most special thing about him is that, even after achieving it all, he still wants more – not for himself, but for his country.