Lionel Messi has opened up about his future in football following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, last week. The 68-year-old died at a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina, after a long illness.
In an emotional Instagram tribute, Messi said he was struggling to imagine life without his father and admitted that the loss had left him questioning how much longer he would continue playing football.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do without you. I don’t know how to move forward. I only played football and now I have quite a few doubts about whether I’m going to keep doing it for much longer,” the Argentina captain wrote.
Messi recalled how his father had been beside him from the earliest stages of his career, including his formative years at Barcelona. Jorge was also an important source of support and later served as his son’s representative for several years.
The footballer also reflected on the World Cup and revealed that one of the reasons he decided to play in the tournament was because it had been his father’s wish. Jorge had repeatedly encouraged him to take part, even as his health deteriorated shortly before the competition began.
“You always asked me to play in the last World Cup and a few days before it started was when you got worse,” Messi said.
The tournament was particularly difficult for Messi because it was the first time his father was not present. He said he would look for a message from Jorge after every match, gradually coming to terms with the seriousness of his condition.
The emotional strain was also visible during the tournament. After scoring a hat-trick in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria, Messi broke down in tears while celebrating his first goal. He later explained that the tears were connected to circumstances outside football and that he had been going through several difficult days.
As Messi continues to reflect on his career and his father’s influence on his journey, Gold 101.3FM, UAE’s No. 1 radio station, continues to bring listeners the latest sports updates and news from Kerala, India and the UAE.
Messi also spoke about the World Cup final, saying he had wanted to win the trophy for his father. However, after pushing himself physically throughout the tournament, he admitted that he no longer had the energy to produce what was needed to secure another World Cup title.
“My legs couldn’t go on anymore. This time I tried to push myself beyond my physical limits, but I couldn’t. I never felt well,” Messi said.
Argentina eventually finished as runners-up after losing the final to Spain in extra time. Despite falling short of another World Cup triumph, Messi said he and his teammates had enjoyed every match and that his father had ultimately been right to encourage him to participate.
Messi’s tribute also focused on the influence Jorge had on his life beyond football. Despite his grief, the Inter Miami forward said he would keep his father’s memory alive through the way he raises his own children.
“I’m going to miss you so much, but you will always be present, especially in the upbringing of my children, because I will teach them and raise them the way you raised me,” he said.
Jorge Messi remained one of the most influential figures in Lionel’s journey, supporting him from his childhood and standing alongside him through the defining stages of his football career. His death has now prompted the Argentina captain to reflect not only on his father’s legacy, but also on his own future in the game.
