Lionel Messi has admitted that he has “quite a few doubts” about continuing his football career for much longer following the death of his father, Jorge Messi.
The Argentine superstar shared an emotional tribute to his father on social media, describing Jorge as a central figure in both his personal life and his extraordinary football journey. Jorge Messi died at the age of 68 after a prolonged illness.
Messi Reflects on His Father’s Influence
Jorge Messi was more than just Lionel Messi’s father. He played a major role in guiding his son from his early football days and later became his longtime representative.
In his emotional message, Messi reflected on how difficult it was to imagine life without his father and how much he had relied on him throughout his career.
The 39-year-old forward also recalled his father’s encouragement to play at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Jorge’s health deteriorated shortly before the tournament, preventing him from watching Messi compete in person.
World Cup Became an Emotional Journey
Messi decided to participate in the 2026 World Cup despite the difficult circumstances surrounding his family. Argentina eventually reached the final but lost to Spain.
Messi later revealed how much he wanted his father to see him play in the tournament and hoped Argentina could reach the final so Jorge could be there. His father was ultimately unable to make the journey.
The tournament became one of the most emotionally significant periods of Messi’s career, with the Argentine star continuing to perform at the highest level despite his personal struggles.
Retirement Questions Remain
Messi has not announced his retirement from professional football. However, his comments suggest that he is seriously reflecting on how much longer he wants to continue playing.
The Inter Miami forward’s career has already extended far beyond what most players experience, and his latest remarks indicate that the loss of his father has prompted him to reconsider his future in the sport.
For now, there is no confirmed retirement date, and Messi’s immediate plans with Inter Miami remain separate from his emotional reflections about his long-term future.
A Career Shaped by His Father
From taking Lionel to training sessions as a child to supporting him through his rise to global football stardom, Jorge Messi remained a constant presence throughout his son’s career.
Messi’s tribute made clear how deeply that relationship shaped him. While the football world waits to see whether the legendary forward will continue playing for years to come, his latest words show that his decision will be influenced by much more than football.
For Messi, the question of continuing his career is now intertwined with coming to
