Lionel Messi has admitted he is unsure how much longer he will continue playing football following the death of his father, Jorge Messi.
Jorge, who was 68, died last week after a prolonged illness. He had been Messi’s agent since the Argentina captain was 14 and remained one of the most influential figures in his career.
In an emotional tribute on social media, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner revealed the profound impact of his father’s death and questioned whether he could continue his career for much longer.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do without you. I don’t know how to carry on,” Messi wrote. “I used to just play football, and now I’m really not sure if I’ll carry on doing it for much longer.”
Messi said his father had been by his side from the beginning of his career and expressed regret that they could not share more moments together.
The Argentina captain returned home with his family following his father’s death in Rosario. A private funeral was held on Sunday at a cemetery in nearby Perez.
Messi also revealed that Jorge had urged him to play at one more World Cup. However, his father’s health deteriorated shortly before the 2026 tournament.
“He kept asking me to play in one last World Cup,” Messi said, adding that he had hoped to reach the final so his father could watch him play.
Messi captained Argentina at the 2026 World Cup, making his sixth appearance at the tournament. He scored eight goals and provided four assists in eight matches as Argentina reached the final, where they lost 1-0 to Spain.
The 39-year-old subsequently returned to Inter Miami, where his contract runs until 2028.
Messi also recalled the emotional moment during the World Cup when he cried after scoring against Algeria, saying the incident was linked to his father’s health.
He described Jorge as his “dad, friend and mentor” and said his influence would continue to shape the way he raises his own children.
“I’m going to miss you so much, but you’ll always be with me,” Messi wrote. “Rest in peace, and watch over us from above just as you did here. Thank you for everything. I love you, Dad.”
Messi’s emotional tribute prompted messages of support from several football figures, including long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo and Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham.
