Lionel Messi has opened up about the profound uncertainty he feels regarding the continuation of his playing days after the recent passing of his father, Jorge Messi. In a heartfelt Instagram post, the Argentine superstar confessed, "I don't know how to carry on," underscoring the deep emotional impact of his father's death on his personal and professional life.
Jorge Messi, who not only served as his son's trusted agent for many years but also acted as a guiding figure from childhood through the pinnacle of world football, died at the age of 68 on Saturday after a prolonged illness. The loss was felt immediately; Lionel travelled back to his native Argentina to attend the funeral, consequently missing Inter Miami's Leagues Cup match against Monterrey, which ended in a defeat for his side. In the tribute that Messi posted on Instagram, he reflected on the magnitude of his father's influence and the void left behind.
He wrote, "I don't know what I'm going to do without you, I don't know how to carry on," and added, "I have only ever known football, and now I have many doubts about how long I can keep playing it." The message continued with a poignant question directed at his late father: "You were by my side from the beginning; there was so little left until the end. Why didn't you hold on just that little bit longer so we could finish together?" Jorge Messi had been an ever‑present figure throughout Lionel's career. From the early days in Rosario, where he would drive his son to training after a long shift at his own job, to the global stages of club and international football, Jorge's dedication never waned.
He attended as many matches as his schedule allowed and, over time, took on the additional responsibility of acting as Messi's agent, negotiating contracts and managing his brand. "You were a father, a friend, and an agent," Lionel wrote, emphasizing 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 tribute also revealed that Jorge had been a strong advocate for his son to participate in the 2026 World Cup, despite his deteriorating health.
Messi explained that his father had urged him to aim for the tournament, hoping to share that experience together. Unfortunately, Jorge's condition worsened just days before the competition began, making it the first major tournament he could not attend.
Messi expressed his disappointment, noting that he had hoped to reach the final so his father could travel and watch him play on the world stage. During the World Cup, Messi delivered an extraordinary performance, scoring eight goals – the second‑most in the tournament – and helping Argentina reach the final.
The final, however, ended in a 1‑0 loss to Spain. Messi described the physical exhaustion he felt, saying his body could no longer push beyond its limits: "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." Even in defeat, Messi highlighted the joy he and his father derived from watching the competition together, stating that the experience itself was a reward. "We didn't become champions, but you have no idea how much we enjoyed every match," he said, adding, "Once again, you were right: I had to be there and play it." The loss of Jorge Messi has left Lionel grappling with a fundamental question: does he continue to chase titles and break records, or does he step away to honor the memory of the man who stood beside him from the very start? While he has not announced any definitive retirement plans, his recent statements suggest a period of introspection and possible reevaluation of his future on the pitch.
Fans worldwide are watching closely, aware that any decision Messi makes will be deeply personal and rooted in the bond he shared with his father. The football community has responded with an outpouring of support, recognizing both the magnitude of his achievements and the personal tragedy he is enduring. As Messi navigates this difficult crossroads, the broader narrative remains one of love, loss, and the enduring legacy of a father who shaped one of the greatest football careers in history.
Whether he chooses to hang up his boots soon or continues to play for a few more seasons, the respect and admiration for both Lionel and Jorge Messi will endure far beyond the confines of the sport. Play Super 6 for a chance to win £250k! Enter for free.