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. In a heartfelt Instagram post, the Argentine legend confessed, "I don't know how to carry on," underscoring the emotional weight of losing the man who had been his mentor, confidant, and agent for decades. Jorge Messi, who also served as his son's long‑time representative, died at the age of 68 on Saturday after battling a prolonged illness.
The loss struck Messi deeply, prompting him to travel back to Argentina for the funeral and consequently miss Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup loss to Monterrey. In the tribute that quickly went viral, Messi described the void left by his father's death and hinted that his future in football might be coming to an end. "I don't know what I'm going to do without you, I don't know how to carry on," he wrote. "I have spent my whole life on the pitch, and now I have many doubts about playing much longer." He went on to reflect on the closeness they shared: "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 sentiment captures not only his grief but also a lingering wish that his father could have witnessed the final chapters of his career. Jorge Messi was a constant figure throughout Lionel’s ascent, guiding him from a small‑town kid in Rosario to a global football icon.
Messi recalled how his father would pick him up after a long workday and drive him to training, never missing a match whenever possible. In addition to being a loving parent, Jorge also acted as Lionel’s agent, negotiating contracts and managing his public affairs. "You were a father, a friend, and an agent," Messi wrote in the post.
"You were always the person you needed to be at every moment and you were never wrong about anything." This line emphasizes the multifaceted role Jorge played, blending personal support with professional guidance. The tribute also revealed that Jorge had been a strong advocate for his son to participate in the 2026 World Cup, despite his declining health.
Although Jorge could not attend the tournament himself, he repeatedly encouraged Messi to take part, hoping his son could achieve another historic milestone. Messi explained that his father's condition worsened just days before the competition began, making it the first major tournament in which Jorge could not be physically present. The Argentine captain had hoped to reach the final so his father could travel and watch him play, but Jorge’s health deteriorated rapidly, preventing that dream.
During the World Cup, Messi delivered an extraordinary performance, scoring eight goals – the second‑most in the tournament – and helping Argentina advance to the final. The final, however, ended in a 1‑0 defeat to Spain. Messi later admitted that the physical strain of the competition had pushed his body to its limits.
"I wanted to win it to bring it to you and show you a new one," he wrote, adding, "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 found in watching each match together, describing the experience as priceless. "We didn't become champions, but you have no idea how much we enjoyed every match," he said. "Once again, you were right: I had to be there and play it." The emotional depth of Messi’s statements highlights how intertwined his career has been with his father's presence.
Jorge was not only a logistical support but also a psychological anchor, offering encouragement during triumphs and comfort during setbacks. The loss of such a figure inevitably forces any athlete to reassess priorities, and Messi’s candid admission of doubt signals a possible turning point. Fans worldwide have responded with an outpouring of support, sending messages of sympathy and urging the star to take the time he needs to heal emotionally. While some speculate about a potential retirement, others hope Messi will find a path that honors his father's memory while still allowing him to enjoy the game he loves.
In the weeks ahead, Messi is expected to return to training with Inter Miami, but the decision about his long‑term future remains uncertain. Whether he chooses to hang up his boots or continue playing for a few more seasons, his father’s legacy will undoubtedly remain a guiding force in every step he takes.
The narrative of a son grappling with the loss of a father who was both parent and professional partner resonates beyond sport, touching on universal themes of grief, purpose, and the search for meaning after a pivotal loss. As Messi navigates this personal crossroads, the football world watches with empathy, awaiting his next move while honoring the memory of the man who helped shape one of the greatest careers in history.