Lionel Messi has opened up about the profound uncertainty he feels regarding the continuation of his playing days after the passing of his father, Jorge Messi. In a heartfelt Instagram post, the Argentine star confessed, "I don't know how to go on without you," expressing that his father's death has left him questioning whether he can keep competing at the highest level. Jorge Messi, who had served not only as a devoted parent but also as Lionel's long‑time agent, died on Saturday at the age of 68 after a protracted illness. The loss struck the family hard, prompting Messi to travel back to his homeland of Argentina to attend the funeral.
His journey meant he missed Inter Miami's Leagues Cup loss to Monterrey, a match that would have otherwise added another chapter to his club career. In the Instagram tribute, Messi laid bare the emotional weight of his father's absence.
He wrote, "I don't know what I'm going to do without you, I don't know how to carry on," and went on to admit that his motivation to keep playing football is now clouded with doubt. "I have only ever known football, and now I have many questions about whether I can keep doing it for much longer," he added, underscoring how integral his father had been to every step of his journey.
The post also reflected on the deep bond they shared. Messi recalled that his dad had been by his side from the earliest days in Rosario, guiding him through the ranks and eventually helping him become one of the most celebrated footballers in history. "You were a father, a friend, and an agent," Messi wrote, highlighting the multifaceted role Jorge played.
He praised his father's unwavering presence, noting that Jorge never missed a training session after work, never missed a match he could attend, and always offered sound advice when decisions needed to be made. One of the most poignant memories Messi shared was his father's encouragement to compete in the 2026 World Cup, despite Jorge's declining health at the time. The tournament marked the first major competition that Jorge could not witness in person, as his condition worsened just days before the opening match. Messi explained that his father had repeatedly urged him to take part, hoping to see his son lift the trophy on the world stage.
"I wanted to win it for you, to bring a new triumph to your memory," Messi wrote, describing the physical and emotional strain he felt during the competition. Messi's performance at the World Cup was remarkable; he finished as the tournament's second‑top scorer with eight goals and helped Argentina reach the final. However, the final ended in a 1‑0 defeat to Spain.
Messi admitted that by the end of the match his body had reached its limit: "My legs could not give any more. I tried to push against my own limits, but I couldn't." Despite the loss, he emphasized the joy he and his father derived from watching each game together, even if they were not physically present in the stadium. Reflecting on the experience, Messi said, "We didn't become champions, but you have no idea how much we enjoyed every match." He concluded his tribute with a reaffirmation of his father's belief that he needed to be there on the pitch: "Once again, you were right: I had to be there and play it." The emotional outpouring has sparked a broader conversation about the future of Messi's career. Fans and pundits alike are speculating whether the Argentine legend will choose to retire in order to honor his father's memory, or whether he will find a new source of inspiration to continue playing.
The decision carries significant weight not only for Messi himself but also for the teams he represents, the millions of supporters worldwide, and the legacy he continues to build. While the path forward remains uncertain, Messi's words convey a deep respect for the man who shaped his life both on and off the field. Whether he decides to hang up his boots or to keep fighting for more titles, his tribute stands as a testament to the enduring influence of a father’s love and guidance. In the meantime, the football community continues to rally around Messi, offering support and understanding as he navigates this personal crossroads.
The story serves as a reminder that even the most iconic athletes face profound personal challenges, and that the decision to continue or retire is often intertwined with matters of the heart and family. As the world watches, Messi's next steps will undoubtedly be watched closely, and whatever choice he makes will be respected as a reflection of his deep bond with his late father.