Lionel Messi has raised fresh doubts about the remainder of his professional football career, admitting he is unsure whether he will play “for much longer” following the death of his father and longtime agent, Jorge Messi. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner published an emotional statement on social media, marking his first public remarks since his father passed away on August 7 at the age of 68 in a clinic in Rosario, Argentina.
The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward addressed his late father in an open letter posted to Instagram, describing the profound personal toll the loss has taken on his daily life and his relationship with the sport. According to reports from European outlets covering the announcement, Messi revealed that football alone no longer fills the void left by his father’s passing, casting uncertainty over his future in Major League Soccer and international competition.
An Emotional Tribute and Sudden Loss
Jorge Messi served as a fundamental pillar throughout his son’s life, acting simultaneously as a father, a close friend, and the exclusive representative who guided his career from his earliest days in Argentina through his historic tenure at FC Barcelona.
In his published message, translated and reported by outlets including Europe 1 and Le Parisien, Lionel Messi expressed the sheer difficulty of processing the reality of his father’s death. “I don’t know what I’m going to do without you, I don’t know how to continue,” Messi wrote. He noted that his entire life had revolved around playing football, but that he now harbors significant doubts about maintaining his career for an extended period.
The Hidden Struggle During the World Cup
The star forward disclosed that his father’s deteriorating health severely impacted his mental and physical state during recent international duty. While competing in the North American World Cup, where Argentina ultimately reached the final before falling 1-0 in extra time against Spain, Messi struggled with an underlying personal crisis that he had previously attributed only to an unspecified “situation outside of sport.”
During the tournament’s early stages, Messi was seen visibly emotional after a match against Algeria. In his recent statement, he explained that his father had insisted he participate in the tournament despite being critically ill. “You insisted so much that I play the last World Cup, and a few days before it began, that’s when you were at your worst,” Messi wrote. He added that his legs refused to obey him during the final against Spain as he attempted to push past his physical limits to secure a trophy for his ailing father.
Career Implications and Immediate Support
Following the conclusion of the tournament and a brief return to Rosario to be by his family’s side during his father’s final days and subsequent private funeral, Messi faces a crucial juncture regarding his playing days. Having transitioned to MLS with Inter Miami after leaving European football, the veteran forward has consistently weighed the physical demands of the elite game against his desire to spend time with family.
The football community rallied around the Argentine captain following his announcement. Among those expressing public condolences was longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who shared a supportive message acknowledging the immense difficulty of the situation.
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