Inter Miami captain Lionel Messi has issued a deeply personal farewell to his late father, Jorge Messi, saying the bereavement has left him unsure about how much longer he wants to remain in football.
Messi shared his grief on social media after Jorge’s death. His father had been both a constant presence in his life and his representative for much of the Argentine’s career.
Messi said he was still struggling to accept that his father had died, adding that the moment had arrived too early even though he knew Jorge had been unwell.
One of Messi’s major wishes for the 2026 FIFA World Cup had been to see Argentina reach the final, allowing Jorge enough time to recover and travel to watch him.
He recalled repeatedly telling his father that Argentina would make the final and that Jorge would be there to see it.
Argentina did reach the showpiece match, but Jorge could not attend. Messi had also wanted to win the tournament and dedicate the triumph to his father.
Messi said he had hoped to bring Jorge another World Cup title, but admitted that his body prevented him from producing his best in the final. He explained that he had pushed himself beyond his physical limits, yet never felt fully fit and eventually had no more strength in his legs.
The 39-year-old remembered his father’s commitment during his early years, including taking him to training after finishing work and being present for nearly all of his games.
As Messi’s career developed, Jorge assumed an important professional role, representing his son during negotiations and helping oversee his affairs as he became one of football’s most celebrated players.
Messi described Jorge as his father, companion and representative.
Even so, Messi said his strongest memories would be of Jorge as a parent. He valued the guidance, arguments and life lessons that helped form him both on the pitch and away from it.
He acknowledged that he did not know how life would continue without his father or how he would cope with the loss.
The Argentina international also conceded that Jorge’s death had prompted serious questions about his playing career.
Messi said football had been the only life he had known and that he now had doubts about continuing to play for much longer.
Amid his mourning, Messi added that his father’s legacy would remain alive through the family, especially in how he brings up his own children.
He said he would miss Jorge enormously, but that his father would always be present in the way he raises his children, because he is passing on the same upbringing he received.
Messi ended by asking his father to rest peacefully and continue watching over the family from above, while thanking him for everything.
