Messi Opens Up About Father’s Death, Admits Uncertainty Over Football Future
Argentina captain Lionel Messi has paid an emotional tribute to his late father, Jorge Messi, revealing that his death has left him questioning how long he will continue playing football.
Jorge Messi died last week at the age of 68 at a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina, following a prolonged illness.
In a heartfelt farewell message, Messi described his father as his “dad, friend and representative” and reflected on the important role he played throughout his football journey.
Messi recalled how his father supported his career from childhood, taking him to training sessions whenever his work allowed and never missing his matches.
He also revealed that Jorge had repeatedly urged him to play at the most recent World Cup. According to Messi, his father became seriously ill shortly before the tournament and was unable to travel as they had hoped.
Messi said he kept thinking about reaching the final so that his father could recover enough to watch him play.
Although Argentina reached the final, Messi admitted that the physical demands of the tournament eventually took their toll.
He recalled returning home after the final and finding that his father had mistakenly believed Argentina had lost on penalties. The two were unable to properly discuss the tournament before Jorge's condition deteriorated further.
The emotional weight of his father's death was evident as Messi admitted he does not know how to move forward without him.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do without you, I don’t know how to go on,” Messi wrote, adding that he now has doubts about whether he will continue playing football for much longer.
The 39-year-old also spoke about the close relationship they shared, saying they spoke every day and met whenever his football commitments permitted.
Messi said his father's greatest happiness was seeing his family doing well and, above all, secretly enjoying watching his son play.
He recalled how Jorge would suffer during his matches despite rarely offering him compliments, while always remaining an important figure in his development.
The Argentina star said his father's influence would continue through the way he raises his own children.
Messi ended his tribute with a final message of gratitude, promising that Jorge would always remain present in his life and family.
“Rest in peace and look after us from above the way you did down here. Thank you for everything,” he wrote.
Jorge Messi died last week at the age of 68 at a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina, following a prolonged illness.
In a heartfelt farewell message, Messi described his father as his “dad, friend and representative” and reflected on the important role he played throughout his football journey.
Messi recalled how his father supported his career from childhood, taking him to training sessions whenever his work allowed and never missing his matches.
He also revealed that Jorge had repeatedly urged him to play at the most recent World Cup. According to Messi, his father became seriously ill shortly before the tournament and was unable to travel as they had hoped.
Messi said he kept thinking about reaching the final so that his father could recover enough to watch him play.
Although Argentina reached the final, Messi admitted that the physical demands of the tournament eventually took their toll.
He recalled returning home after the final and finding that his father had mistakenly believed Argentina had lost on penalties. The two were unable to properly discuss the tournament before Jorge's condition deteriorated further.
The emotional weight of his father's death was evident as Messi admitted he does not know how to move forward without him.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do without you, I don’t know how to go on,” Messi wrote, adding that he now has doubts about whether he will continue playing football for much longer.
The 39-year-old also spoke about the close relationship they shared, saying they spoke every day and met whenever his football commitments permitted.
Messi said his father's greatest happiness was seeing his family doing well and, above all, secretly enjoying watching his son play.
He recalled how Jorge would suffer during his matches despite rarely offering him compliments, while always remaining an important figure in his development.
The Argentina star said his father's influence would continue through the way he raises his own children.
Messi ended his tribute with a final message of gratitude, promising that Jorge would always remain present in his life and family.
“Rest in peace and look after us from above the way you did down here. Thank you for everything,” he wrote.
