Can an iPhone receive a delayed message?

Like if I sent a message now to someone, and they haven't replied, could it be because it's not been delivered?

We often get message a lot later than they were sent - and vice versa. I also get PHONE voicemail late, fairly often. Thanks, ATT - or whatever is dropping the ball here. This makes for poor personal communication, and also lapses in business communication. I can't conceive of why this can't be FIXED!

Possibly

Yes, it will Receive and if you want to make your mobile totally secure do install Leo Privacy Guard. It gives you two way protection by hiding your images and video and also it offers you the app lock feature. There's much more to explore in this app for that you need to get in in your device.

Yes the delivery time isn't due to the phone, but do to the carrier's system. I've had AT&T lose some and others delivered hours later!