Messi unsure he will play ‘much longer’ after father’s death

Lionel Messi has expressed uncertainty about his continued football career following the death of his father, Jorge, who passed away at the age of 68 after a prolonged illness. Jorge had been Messi's agent since the time he was 14 years old and had been an integral part of the football star's life.

In an emotional message on social media, Messi revealed that he doesn't know what he's going to do without his father, nor how to carry on with his life. He reminisced about the time when football was all he did, and now is questioning if he will continue playing for much longer.

Messi, who became one of the greatest football players of all time, acknowledged his father's presence during his success, particularly during his time with Argentina. He spoke of how his father was by his side right from the start and how he was unable to watch his father at the World Cup in 2022 or the 2026 World Cup final, which Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain.

"Every time a game ended, I'd wait for and miss your message," Messi wrote. "That's when I realized how bad the situation was."

His father's death has deeply affected Messi, who struggled to accept that his father is gone. "It hasn't sunk in, or rather, I don't want it to," he said. "I know you were suffering, but you left too soon. We still had so much left to enjoy together."

Despite the heartache, Messi expressed his gratitude for his father's unconditional love and guidance. He dedicated his achievements to his father, stating that he would miss him immensely but would continue carrying his teachings and values forward, especially in raising his children.

Messi's family later confirmed that Jorge was dealing with a health-related issue. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo extended his condolences to Messi and his family, and Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham also expressed his support towards Messi and his family.