‘I Have Serious Doubts About Continuing’ — Messi Speaks After Father’s Death

Lionel Messi has revealed that he is seriously questioning his future in football following the death of his father and long-time representative, Jorge Messi.

The 38-year-old Argentina captain made the revelation in an emotional tribute to his late father on Wednesday, saying he was struggling to determine how to move forward without the man who had been beside him throughout his career.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do without you, I don’t know how to move forward. Football was all I did, and now I have serious doubts about whether I’ll keep playing for much longer,” Messi said.

Messi described Jorge as more than a father, calling him a friend and agent who played a central role in his development from a young player in Argentina into one of football’s most decorated stars.

He recalled his father’s desire to see him feature at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but said Jorge’s health deteriorated shortly before the tournament.

“You wanted me to play in the last World Cup so much, and a few days before it started was when you took a turn for the worse,” Messi wrote.

According to Messi, his father’s condition meant he could no longer attend the tournament, despite the family initially hoping he would recover sufficiently to travel.

The Inter Miami forward said his father’s absence became particularly painful after Argentina’s matches, when he would instinctively expect a message from him.

“Every time a match ended, I waited for and missed your message. That was when I realised how truly bad the situation was,” he said.

Messi also revealed that he had wanted to win the World Cup for his father and bring the trophy home to him.

“We made it to the final and you couldn’t be there. I wanted to win it so I could bring it to you and show you a new trophy,” he wrote.

The Argentina captain said he was unable to push his body beyond its limits during the tournament, adding that he had struggled physically.

Messi further recalled that when he returned home, his father initially believed Argentina had lost the final on penalties, saying Jorge did not get the opportunity to fully enjoy the team’s campaign before his condition worsened.

The footballer said his father’s influence would continue to shape his life, particularly in how he raises his children.

“I’m going to miss you so much, but you will always be present—especially in how I raise my children, because I teach and raise them just like you two did with me,” Messi said.

Jorge Messi, who died aged 68 after a prolonged illness, played a crucial role in his son’s career. He helped secure treatment for Messi’s growth hormone deficiency and supported his move from Argentina to Barcelona at the age of 13.

Messi ended his tribute by thanking his father for his unwavering support.

“Rest in peace and watch over us from above, just as you did here. Thank you for everything.

“I love you, Dad.”