'I couldn't': Lionel Messi's first post since his father's death
Lionel Messi has broken his silence following the death of his father Jorge, sharing an emotional tribute that reveals the depth of his grief. The Argentina captain reflected on their final World Cup dream, the messages he missed after every match and his uncertainty about continuing his career. Messi also remembered Jorge as his father, friend, agent and lifelong guide.
For the first time since the death of his father Jorge Messi, Argentina captain Lionel Messi publicly shared an emotional tribute in which he reflected on his grief and the impact of his father's passing. Accompanied by a simple photo of his father with the caption "Te amo, pa" (I love you, Dad), Messi accompanied his letter with a heartfelt account of their relationship.
Expressing his struggle to accept his father's death, Messi admitted that it hadn't yet sunk in, stating that he didn't want to let go of the reality that his father was gone. Despite acknowledging his father's suffering, he emphasized that Jorge's departure came sooner than expected. Messi recalled how his father had repeatedly urged him to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, even as his health declined in the days leading up to the tournament.
Messi's greatest motivation throughout Argentina's run to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final was to secure a victory so he could present a new trophy to his father. However, despite Argentina's best efforts, they lost 1-0 to Spain in the final. Messi revealed that the absence of his father at the tournament became painfully evident after each loss, as he waited in vain for a message from him.
The tribute also shed light on Jorge Messi's multifaceted role beyond being a father - he managed his son's career for decades, overseeing the various stages of Lionel's football journey, from his move to Barcelona to transfers to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami, as well as managing his commercial affairs. Messi remembered his father not just as a parent but as a friend and an agent who was always present, whether it was taking him to training sessions or supporting him from the stands.
Messi concluded his tribute by promising that his father's influence would continue through his own children, emphasizing that he intends to raise them in the way his father had raised him. He announced that he would miss his father deeply but would hold onto his memory, especially in raising his children. Messi ended with a heartfelt promise to rest in peace and watch over them from above, just as his father did during his lifetime.
Written by urgent.news from Times of India's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
