A lot has been said about Lionel Messi’s future following the tragic death of his father, Jorge Messi.
The 68-year-old passed away after battling a prolonged illness and was absent throughout Argentina’s run to the World Cup final because of his health. The loss also came at a difficult time for Messi, who had already been dealing with questions about how much longer he would continue his legendary career.
Messi’s emotions were visible during Argentina’s World Cup campaign. He broke down in tears after scoring the opening goal in Argentina’s win over Algeria in the group stage, further highlighting the emotional weight he was carrying at the time.
Even then, there was plenty of speculation about whether Messi would hang up his boots after the World Cup. The 38-year-old had also signed a new contract with Inter Miami in October, extending his deal with the MLS club through 2028.
However, talk of his retirement has only gained more traction following the tragic death of his father.
Jorge Messi was a crucial figure throughout his son’s career. He was there from the very beginning of Messi’s journey in Barcelona and remained an important presence through his moves to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.
Now, Messi has broken his silence on his future while paying an emotional tribute to his father.
Messi Breaks Silence on His Future
The emotional weight of his loss was clear in the heartfelt letter Messi shared on Instagram.
After expressing his regret that he could not win the World Cup for his father, the 38-year-old admitted that he does not know how he will continue his career without Jorge by his side.
Messi’s words have now raised fresh questions about whether he could be approaching the final stage of his soccer career.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do without you, I don’t know how to go on. I just played soccer and now I have quite a few doubts that I’ll continue doing it for much longer. You were by my side from the beginning, it was so close to the end. Didn’t you hold on a little longer and we could have finished together?”
Messi then reflected on what mattered most to his father and how much Jorge enjoyed watching him play, even if he rarely showed it through praise.
“I know your happiness was seeing your family, your wife, your children well and, above all, without others finding out, seeing me play…”
The Argentine superstar then looked back on his childhood and remembered the sacrifices his parents made to help him pursue his dream of becoming a professional soccer player.
“Since I was little, it was always like that. You took me to all the training sessions as soon as you got home from work. Mom took me to many of them because you were working.”
Jorge Messi, father and agent of Lionel Messi – holding his son’s trophy of ‘Best player of the World Cup’ after the Qatar 2022 Final match between Argentina and France.Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
Messi also recalled how his father never missed a game and experienced every emotion alongside him throughout his career.
“Obviously, you didn’t miss a single match. How you suffered watching me and how you enjoyed it, even though you never gave me much praise.”
As he continued to remember the man who played so many different roles in his life, Messi explained just how important Jorge was to him, not only as his father, but also as a friend, adviser and agent.
“You were a dad, a friend, and an agent. You were always the person you needed to be at any given moment and you never made a mistake. Beyond some reproaches or fights, you were always right. In the end, things turned out just as you said they would.”
Messi ended his emotional tribute by reflecting on the lasting influence his father will continue to have, especially through the way he raises his own children.
“I’m going to miss you a lot, but you’ll always be present, and especially in my children’s upbringing, because I teach and raise them the way you did with me.”
Athlon Sports
