Lionel Messi has opened up about the profound uncertainty he now feels regarding his future on the pitch after the recent passing of his father, Jorge Messi. In a heartfelt Instagram post, the Argentine legend confessed that he is unsure how to move forward without the man who had been his constant companion, mentor, and agent for decades. Jorge Messi, who had served as his son's trusted representative as well as a father figure, died at the age of 68 on Saturday after a prolonged illness.
The loss struck Messi deeply, prompting him to travel back to his native Argentina to attend the funeral. The trip meant he missed Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup match against Monterrey, a game the side ultimately lost. In the emotional tribute that followed, Messi wrote: "I don't know what I'm going to do without you, I don't know how to carry on." He went on to say that his entire footballing life has been intertwined with his father's presence, and now he is left questioning whether he can continue to play at the highest level for much longer.
"I only played football and now I have quite a few doubts that I will keep doing it for much longer," he added. The post was filled with memories of Jorge’s unwavering support from Messi’s earliest days in Rosario to his rise as one of the sport’s all‑time greats. Messi recalled how his father would drive him to training sessions after a long day at work, sit in the stands for every match he could attend, and later negotiate contracts and endorsements on his behalf.
"You were a father, a friend, and an agent," Messi wrote, emphasizing that Jorge had always been exactly the person Messi needed at each stage of his career and had never steered him wrong. One of the most poignant revelations in the tribute concerned the 2026 World Cup. Despite his declining health, Jorge had repeatedly urged his son to take part in the tournament, insisting that Messi should experience another World Cup before retirement. Unfortunately, Jorge fell seriously ill just days before the competition began, making it the first major tournament he could not attend in person.
Messi explained that he had hoped to reach the final so his father could travel and watch him play, but his father's condition worsened rapidly. During the 2026 World Cup, Messi lived up to his reputation, scoring eight goals and finishing as the tournament’s second‑top scorer. Argentina progressed all the way to the final, where they were narrowly defeated 1‑0 by Spain.
In his post‑match reflections, Messi described the physical strain of the tournament, admitting that by the final his body could no longer respond to his will. "I wanted to win it to bring it to you and show you a new one," he wrote, before acknowledging his limits: "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 disappointment of not lifting the trophy, Messi emphasized how much joy he and his father derived from watching each match together, even if only through shared memories and the knowledge that Jorge was cheering him on in spirit.
"We didn't become champions, but you have no idea how much we enjoyed every match," he said, underscoring that his father's guidance had always pushed him to be present on the world stage. "Once again, you were right: I had to be there and play it." The loss of Jorge Messi has left Lionel grappling with a deep emotional void. He has spoken publicly about the difficulty of imagining a future without his father’s counsel, and the prospect of retirement now feels more tangible than ever before.
While he has not announced any definitive plans, the Argentine captain’s words suggest that the decision will hinge on whether he can find a way to honor his father’s legacy while also listening to his own physical and mental limits. Messi’s fans worldwide have responded with an outpouring of support, sending messages of encouragement and gratitude for the humility with which he has shared his grief.
Many have highlighted how Jorge’s influence extended beyond the personal realm, shaping the very fabric of modern football through Messi’s unprecedented achievements. As the season progresses, all eyes will remain on Messi to see whether he chooses to continue adding chapters to his storied career or steps away from the sport that has defined his life. Whatever his decision, the bond between father and son—rooted in love, loyalty, and a shared passion for the beautiful game—will undoubtedly endure as a testament to the profound impact a parent can have on an athlete’s journey.
(Note: The final line about a promotional contest has been omitted as it is unrelated to the core narrative.)