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," reflecting the deep emotional turmoil he is experiencing. Jorge Messi, who also served as his son's longtime agent, died at the age of 68 on Saturday after a prolonged illness. The loss has left Messi grappling with questions about his future on the pitch, a question he has never before had to confront publicly.
Following his father's funeral in Argentina, Messi missed Inter Miami's Leagues Cup match against Monterrey, a game that ended in defeat for his side. The absence of the football icon was felt both on and off the field, underscoring how integral his presence is to the team.
In the Instagram tribute, Messi laid bare the impact of his father's death on his mental state and hinted that he may be nearing the end of his playing career. He wrote, "I don't know what I'm going to do without you, I don't know how to carry on. I only played football and now I have quite a few doubts that I will keep doing it for 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 that little bit longer so we could finish together?" The words reveal a mixture of grief, regret, and a yearning for more shared moments.
Jorge Messi was more than a parent; he was a constant companion throughout Lionel's journey from a small boy in Rosario to a global football icon. He shuttled his son to training sessions after long workdays, attended virtually every match he could, and eventually took on the role of his agent, negotiating contracts and managing the business side of the sport. "You were a father, a friend, and an agent," Messi wrote in his post.
"You were always the person you needed to be at every moment and you were never wrong about anything." These lines highlight the multifaceted relationship they shared—a blend of familial love, mentorship, and professional guidance. One of the most poignant revelations in Messi's tribute is that Jorge had encouraged his son to compete in the 2026 World Cup, despite his deteriorating health.
The father’s voice, according to Messi, was a persistent source of motivation, urging him to chase the ultimate football dream one more time. Unfortunately, Jorge's condition worsened just days before the tournament began, making the 2026 competition the first major event he could not attend in person.
Messi had hoped to see his father travel to the final, to witness his son lift the trophy, but fate had other plans. During the tournament, Messi lived up to his reputation, scoring eight goals—second only to the tournament’s top scorer—and propelling Argentina to the final. The climax saw Argentina fall 1-0 to Spain, a loss that Messi described as physically and emotionally draining. He confessed that his legs simply could not push any further in the decisive match.
"I wanted to win it to bring it to you and show you a new one," Messi wrote. "I couldn't, my legs couldn't give any more.
This time I tried to go against my body, but I couldn't." The sentiment captures the paradox of triumph and exhaustion that defined his performance. Despite the defeat, Messi emphasized that the experience of playing alongside his father's memory was 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." These reflections illustrate how deeply intertwined Messi’s personal and professional lives have been with his father's presence.
The loss has not only left a void in his private world but also cast a shadow over his future decisions regarding football. While he has not announced a formal retirement, his words suggest that the next chapter of his life may involve stepping away from the sport that has defined him for more than two decades. Messi's fans worldwide are now watching closely, hoping for clarity on whether the Argentine maestro will hang up his boots or continue to defy expectations. As the football community processes this emotional revelation, many are offering support, acknowledging that the decision to retire is deeply personal and should be respected.
In the meantime, Messi continues to focus on his recovery, both physically after a grueling tournament and emotionally after a profound personal loss. Whether he returns to the pitch next season or chooses to retire, his legacy as one of the greatest players in history remains unshaken, and his father's influence will forever be a part of that story.
Play Super 6 for a chance to win £250k! Enter for free.