Lionel Messi has opened up about the profound uncertainty he feels regarding the continuation of his playing career after the passing of his father, Jorge Messi. The Argentine superstar confessed, "I don’t know how to go on," reflecting the depth of his grief and the weight of his father's absence.
Jorge Messi, who also served as his son's longtime agent, died on Saturday at the age of 68 after battling a prolonged illness. The loss reverberated through Lionel’s personal and professional life, prompting him to travel back to Argentina for the funeral. As a result, he missed Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup match against Monterrey, a game that ended in a defeat for his side. In a heartfelt Instagram post, Messi detailed how his father’s death has shaken his sense of purpose on the field.
"I don’t know what I’m going to do without you, I don’t know how to carry on," he wrote, adding that his future in football now feels uncertain. "I have only ever known football, and now I have many doubts about playing much longer." He continued, "You were by my side from the beginning; there was so little left until the end. Why didn’t you hold on just a little longer so we could finish together?" The words capture the raw emotion of a son mourning a partner who had been integral to his every triumph.
Jorge Messi was more than an agent; he was a constant presence throughout Lionel’s ascent from a shy child in Rosario to a global icon. He would drive his son to training sessions after long days at work, attend as many matches as possible, and manage the complex business side of a career that spanned continents. "You were a father, a friend, and an agent," Lionel wrote, acknowledging the multifaceted role his dad played. "You were always the person you needed to be at every moment, and you were never wrong about anything." The relationship extended beyond logistics.
Jorge was a vocal supporter of his son’s ambitions, even urging him to aim for the 2026 World Cup despite his own deteriorating health. Although Jorge could not attend the tournament himself, he repeatedly encouraged Lionel to take part, hoping to share the experience in spirit.
Messi explained that his father fell seriously ill just days before the tournament began, making it the first major competition that Jorge missed in person. The Argentine captain had hoped to reach the final so his father could travel and watch him play, but Jorge’s condition worsened rapidly.
During the 2026 World Cup, Messi delivered an extraordinary performance, scoring eight goals – the second‑most in the tournament – and guiding Argentina to the final. In the decisive match, they were edged out 1‑0 by Spain. Messi later admitted that the physical demands of the tournament left him exhausted, saying, "I couldn’t push my body any further during the final." He reflected on his motivation, writing, "I wanted to win it to bring it to you and show you a new one.
I couldn’t, my legs couldn’t give any more. This time I tried to go against my body, but I couldn’t." Despite the loss, Messi emphasized the joy he and his father derived from watching each match together, even if only through shared memories and emotions. "We didn’t become champions, but you have no idea how much we enjoyed every match," he said, underscoring that the journey itself mattered more than the trophy.
"Once again, you were right: I had to be there and play it." The emotional toll of losing a lifelong confidant and mentor has led Messi to question whether he can maintain the same level of dedication that defined his career. He has hinted that retirement may be on the horizon, not out of a lack of love for the sport, but because the driving force behind his relentless pursuit of excellence – his father – is no longer present to share in the victories and setbacks.
Fans worldwide have responded with an outpouring of support, acknowledging the deep bond between Messi and his father and respecting whatever decision the player ultimately makes about his future. While the prospect of Messi stepping away from professional football would mark the end of an era, many understand that his personal well‑being and emotional health must take precedence. As the football community awaits Messi’s next move, the story serves as a poignant reminder of how personal loss can intersect with public life, reshaping even the most celebrated careers. Whether he chooses to continue playing, transition into a different role within the sport, or retire altogether, Lionel Messi’s legacy will forever be intertwined with the unwavering guidance and love of his father, Jorge.
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