‘Special’—David Beckham Drops Lionel Messi Career Hint

David Beckham, co-owner of Inter Miami, has hinted that he expects Lionel Messi to continue playing, citing Messi's persistent hunger for success despite his age. Beckham's comments come amid ongoing speculation about Messi's future in soccer.

Messi, who is 38 years old, has a history of retiring from international soccer twice before returning to achieve major victories with Argentina, including recent honors. His contract with Inter Miami is set to expire in December, and he has not yet committed to an extension, adding to the uncertainty surrounding his career.

After playing what is believed to be his final competitive international match on Argentine soil—a 3–0 win over Venezuela—Messi admitted that he likely will not participate in the next World Cup due to his age. He emphasized that he is taking his future day by day and match by match, without making definitive decisions.

When pressed about the 2026 World Cup, Messi stated that no decision has been made, and he was similarly non-committal about his club future, noting that he will evaluate how he feels after the MLS season ends and during the preseason.

Beckham reinforced his belief in Messi's continued drive through an Instagram post, praising Messi's dedication to his country and celebrating his achievements, suggesting that Messi "still wants more" for Argentina rather than for personal glory.

Despite his seniority, Messi's performance remains elite; in 17 MLS starts this year, he has recorded 19 goals and 8 assists, leading Inter Miami as their top scorer and playmaker. For the Argentine national team, he remains a key figure, contributing directly to eight goals in seven appearances since their Copa América triumph in 2024.