Lionel Messi has cast doubt on his long-term playing future in an emotional public farewell message to his late father, Jorge Messi, who died at the age of 68 following a prolonged illness, according to infoveloz.com. The Argentina captain shared the intimate tribute on social media after returning to Miami with his family following an intimate funeral ceremony in Rosario, Argentina.
In the text published across various media outlets, the forward expressed profound uncertainty about his career. “I don’t know what I’m going to do without you, I don’t know how to go on,” Messi wrote, according to infoveloz.com, openly questioning how much longer he will continue playing professional football.
An Intimate Farewell and the 2026 World Cup Context
According to comprehensive coverage from regional publications, Jorge Messi served not only as a father but also as a representative, trainer, and business manager. The elder Messi had experienced a sharp decline in his health just days before the start of the 2026 tournament. Although unable to travel to the matches, father and son maintained a steady line of communication throughout the competition.
“Every time a match ended, I waited for and missed your message. That’s when I realized the situation was real,” Messi wrote in his tribute, according to infoveloz.com, detailing how the desire to reach the tournament’s final stages was driven by a wish to give his father time to watch him play. Argentina ultimately reached the final against Spain, but Jorge was unable to attend or witness the conclusion. “I wanted to win it to bring it to you and show you a new one. I couldn’t, my legs wouldn’t give me any more,” Messi confessed, noting that upon returning to Rosario, his father mistakenly believed Argentina had lost the final in a penalty shootout, leaving them unable to discuss the tournament’s true outcome.
Career Uncertainty and Ongoing Legacy
The forward’s public statement touched heavily on the daily sacrifices Jorge made during Lionel’s childhood, including driving him to training sessions after working hours and maintaining an unconditional presence at his matches. “You were father, friend, and representative. You were always the person you needed to be in every moment,” Messi stated, according to infoveloz.com.
Beyond his playing career, Messi emphasized that his father’s core legacy will live on through his own parenting. “I’m going to miss you a lot, but you will always be present, and above all in the education of my children, because I teach them and educate them as you did with me,” he wrote, concluding with a simple farewell: “Rest in peace and watch over us from above like you did down here. Thanks for everything. I love you, dad.”
