Lionel Messi is facing doubts over whether he will continue his football career for much longer following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, at the age of 68 in Rosario, Argentina, according to reports from Channel NewsAsia and Al Jazeera. The 39-year-old Argentina captain and Inter Miami forward made the admission in an emotional social media tribute, revealing that the grief of losing his lifelong supporter has left him questioning his future in the sport.
Lionel Messi Weighs Retirement After Father Jorge Messi’s Death
According to Al Jazeera, Jorge Messi passed away following a long illness, with local media reporting he had been suffering from cancer. His health had deteriorated significantly over the summer, notably during the World Cup, marking the first major tournament he missed in his son’s career. Lionel Messi returned to the United States on Tuesday night after attending a private funeral ceremony on Sunday in Pérez, near Rosario, alongside close family and a few Argentina teammates, as reported by Al Jazeera.
In his Instagram statement, cited by Channel NewsAsia, Messi wrote: “I don’t know what I’m going to do without you. I don’t know how to move forward. I only played football and now I have quite a few doubts about whether I’m going to keep doing it for much longer.” He remains under contract with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami until the end of the 2028 season, but his long-term playing future has been cast into uncertainty by the personal loss.
World Cup Memories and Physical Toll Underpin the Grief
Channel NewsAsia and Al Jazeera reported that Jorge Messi had urged his son to play in the recent World Cup tournament despite his worsening condition. “You always asked me to play in the last World Cup and a few days before it started was when you got worse,” Messi wrote in his tribute, noting that he waited for a message from his father after every match. During the tournament, where Argentina reached the final before losing to Spain, Messi broke down in tears after scoring a hat-trick against Algeria in the group stage, explaining at the time that he was dealing with complicated days due to matters unrelated to football.
“My legs couldn’t go on any more,” Messi stated regarding the final against Spain, according to Channel NewsAsia. “This time I tried to push myself beyond my physical limits, but I couldn’t. I never felt well.” Despite falling short of defending the title won in Qatar in 2022, Messi acknowledged that his father had been right in pushing him to participate.
Honouring a Lifelong Mentor and Agent
Jorge Messi served as a constant presence throughout his son’s career, acting as his representative and a crucial pillar of support from his earliest days in the youth ranks at Barcelona, according to Al Jazeera and Channel NewsAsia. Describing him as a father, friend, and agent who never put a foot wrong, Messi vowed to keep his memory alive within his own family.
“I’m going to miss you so much, but you will always be present, especially in the upbringing of my children, because I will teach them and raise them the way you raised me,” Messi wrote on Instagram, as reported by Channel NewsAsia.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Jorge Messi pass away?
Jorge Messi passed away last week at the age of 68 at a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina, following a long illness.
What did Lionel Messi say about his retirement?
According to Channel NewsAsia, Messi stated on Instagram that he has “quite a few doubts about whether I’m going to keep doing it for much longer” following his father’s death.
Who did Argentina play in the recent World Cup final?
As reported by Al Jazeera, Argentina faced Spain in the World Cup final, losing 1-0 in extra time.
What team does Lionel Messi currently play for domestically?
Messi plays in Major League Soccer for Inter Miami, where his contract runs until the end of the 2028 season.
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