Lionel Messi Weighs Playing Future Following Death of Father Jorge Messi
Lionel Messi is questioning his professional football career following the death of his father and longtime agent, Jorge Messi, according to an emotional statement published on Instagram. The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward, whose contract with the Major League Soccer club runs through the end of the 2028 season, revealed significant doubts about whether he will continue playing the sport long-term.
“I don’t know what I am going to do without you, I don’t know how to keep going,” Messi wrote in his social media post, according to the published text. “I was just playing football, and now I have serious doubts about whether I will keep doing it for much longer.”
The 2026 World Cup Context and Final Match Reality
Jorge Messi’s absence from the June tournament drew public attention as his health deteriorated in the days leading up to the competition. According to the player’s statement, his father had repeatedly urged him to compete in one more World Cup.
“You kept asking me to play in one more World Cup, but just a few days before it started your condition worsened,” Messi stated, noting he returned to the United States on Tuesday evening following the funeral. “That was the first time you weren’t at a tournament.”
Messi described reaching the final while dealing with physical exhaustion and personal grief. Argentina ultimately fell 0–1 to Spain in the final held in New Jersey. “This time I tried to push past my physical limits, but I couldn’t. I never felt good,” Messi said regarding the match. He returned to his family in Rosario—located 340 kilometers north of Buenos Aires—immediately after the tournament concluded.
Private Memorial and Career Reflection in Rosario
On Sunday, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner bid farewell to his father during a private ceremony attended by close family members and select members of the Argentina national team in Peresas pilsētā, kas atrodas blakus Rosario. Local media reported that Jorge Messi had been suffering from cancer.
Throughout his career, Jorge Messi served as both parent and representative. “You were a father, friend, and agent,” Messi wrote, recalling how his father managed contract negotiations across clubs including Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter. “You always led me to every training session as soon as you came home from work. You never missed a single game.”
Did You Know?
Jorge Messi managed his son’s contract negotiations from his early days at Barcelona through his moves to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Lionel Messi’s contract with Inter Miami?
Messi’s contract with the MLS club Inter Miami is valid through the end of the 2028 season, though the player has recently expressed doubts about his playing future.
Who attended the private memorial service in Argentina?
The private ceremony in Peresas pilsētā, kas atrodas blakus Rosario, was attended by close family members and select Argentina national team teammates.
What was the outcome of the recent World Cup final mentioned by Messi?
Argentina was defeated 0–1 by Spain in the final held in New Jersey, during a tournament where Messi scored eight goals in his sixth World Cup appearance.
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