Lionel Messi has raised questions over his long-term playing future in an emotional public farewell to his father, Jorge, who passed away in Rosario at age 68 following a lengthy illness. In a heartfelt statement published on his official Instagram account, the 39-year-old Argentine footballer opened up about the deep personal toll of his final World Cup campaign and admitted that his career on the pitch may soon draw to a close.
An Emotional Farewell and Doubts Over the Future
The death of Jorge on Saturday morning in Rosario marked a profound personal loss for the football icon, who has historically kept his private life away from the headlines. In his public letter, Lionel Messi expressed the sheer difficulty of processing the loss of the man who guided his career from his earliest days in Argentina.
«No sé qué voy a hacer sin vos, no sé cómo seguir.
The Hidden Motivation Behind the 2026 World Cup
According to extensive coverage from El País and El Correo, Jorge served not only as a parent but also as a friend and representative throughout his son’s journey. The desire to make his father proud served as the principal driving force behind Messi’s decision to play at the 2026 World Cup across the United States, Mexico, and Canada.
The physical strain of the competition, paired with the emotional weight of his father’s declining health, created an immense burden during the tournament.
Messi recalled his visible tears during Argentina’s opening match against Algeria—where he scored three goals—explaining at the time that the emotion stemmed from extra-football matters. As the Albiceleste advanced through the knockout rounds, reaching the final against Spain, the forward clung to the hope that his father could recover enough to watch him play in person, much like he had done at the five previous World Cups.
Physical Toll and the Final Days in Rosario
Despite reaching the tournament’s climax, physical limitations caught up with the veteran star. «Llegamos a la final y no pudiste estar. Quería ganarla para llevártela y mostrarte una nueva. No pude, las piernas no me daban más. Esta vez intenté ir contra mi físico, pero no pude», confessed Messi.
Following the final against Spain, Messi traveled to Rosario on Tuesday, July 21, spending four days in his hometown while his father remained hospitalized. He participated in the farewell ceremonies before returning to the United States this week to resume club duties with Inter Miami.
Global Reactions and Tributes
The football world rallied around the Argentine star following the announcement. Numerous figures across the sport extended their condolences, including Cristiano Ronaldo, who shared a supportive public message: «Un abrazo enorme para ti y los tuyos en estos duros momentos, Leo. Mucha fuerza», as reported by El Correo.
Descansá en paz y cuidanos desde arriba como lo hacías acá. Gracias por todo. Te amo, pa».
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