‘I’ve serious doubts about continuing football’ – Lionel Messi finally speaks on father’s death

Lionel Messi has publicly shared his emotional response to the recent passing of his father, revealing he has yet to fully process the devastating news. The Inter Miami captain's first statement on social media came as he attempted to grapple with the loss of his father who had passed away at the age of 68 earlier in the week.

Messi expressed his inability to accept the loss, stating, "Dad, I still can't believe you're gone. It hasn't sunk in, or rather, I don't want it to." He acknowledged his father's suffering, but emphasized that the earlier departure was ultimately a mercy. "You left us far too soon," Messi said, emphasizing that they had much more time together that was now lost.

The Argentina national team star revealed his father had repeatedly urged him to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Messi explained that despite knowing his condition had worsened, his father requested he compete in what was his last World Cup opportunity. "You kept asking me to play in one last World Cup, and just days before it began was when your condition got worse," Messi sadly recounted.

The captain also detailed how he found ways to connect with his father each match, pleading with him for more time. When Messi expressed doubts about continuing his football career, he recalled his father's unwavering support: "You were with me from the very beginning, and there was so little time remaining until the end. Why could you not hold on just a little longer so we could complete this journey together?"

Messi's father was integral to his upbringing, accompanying him to every training session and match. He will miss his father greatly, but believes he carries his legacy forward in raising his own children.