Lionel Messi has revealed he is uncertain how much longer he will continue playing football following the death of his father, Jorge Messi.
Jorge, 68, died last week after a long illness. He had been Messi’s agent from the Argentine’s teenage years and played a major role in his football career.
In an emotional tribute on social media, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said he was struggling to imagine life without his father and questioned whether he would continue playing for much longer.
“I don’t know how to carry on. I used to just play football, and now I’m really not sure if I’ll carry on doing it for much longer,” Messi wrote.
Messi, 39, said his father had always been by his side and revealed that he had hoped Jorge would recover in time to watch him play at the 2026 World Cup.
The Argentina captain went on to feature in eight matches at the tournament, scoring eight goals and providing four assists, but his team lost 1-0 to Spain in the final.
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Messi said he had wanted to win the World Cup so he could present the trophy to his father, but admitted that physical limitations prevented him from delivering the performance he wanted.
“You were my dad, my friend and my mentor,” he wrote. “I’m going to miss you so much, but you’ll always be with me.”
Jorge’s private funeral was held on Sunday in Perez, near Rosario, Argentina.
Messi’s tribute drew messages of support from fellow football stars, including Cristiano Ronaldo, who sent “a huge hug” and wished strength to Messi and his family.
Inter Miami co-owner and former England captain David Beckham also expressed his support, saying he and his family were with Messi during the difficult period.
