Messi pens emotional tribute to his father, questions future

Lionel Messi expressed sorrow and uncertainty about his football career following the death of his father, Jorge, aged 68. Jorge had passed away last week after a prolonged illness in a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina. In an emotional tribute shared on Instagram, Messi revealed his doubts about continuing his career and questioned how he would move forward without his father.

He credited his father for being a constant source of support throughout his football journey, especially during his early years at Barcelona, and for influencing his decision to play in their recent World Cup tournament, where they finished as runners-up to Spain. Messi revealed that his father had specifically asked him to play in the World Cup, which had been a source of comfort for him during his final days.

The 39-year-old captain admitted to experiencing mixed emotions during the tournament, including breaking down in tears during the opening match against Algeria, attributing his tears to "something unrelated to football" after facing "a few difficult, complicated days". Despite his physical exhaustion, Messi expressed his desire to win the final for his father but admitted he lacked the energy to secure a second World Cup title.

He vowed to honor his father's memory by teaching and raising his own children in the way his father had raised him.