Messi unsure over future after father's death

Lionel Messi has expressed his uncertainty about his future in football following the death of his father, Jorge, last week. The 39-year-old Argentine captain revealed his emotional turmoil in an Instagram tribute to his late father, who passed away at 68 after battling a long illness. Messi admitted he doesn't know how to move forward after Jorge's death, as the two had faced many challenging times together throughout Lionel's career.

Jorge was not only Lionel's father but also a crucial pillar of support, guiding him throughout his journey at Barcelona and representing him on several occasions. Despite finishing as runners-up in the 2014 World Cup, Messi said his father had specifically requested him to play in the tournament, which ultimately proved to be the last World Cup for the elder Messi.

The World Cup marked a turning point for Lionel, as his father's declining health became increasingly difficult to bear. Messi noted that the first time he didn't receive a message from his father before a tournament was when Jorge was no longer by his side, leaving him in tears after breaking his hat-trick against Algeria. Despite his emotional state, Messi aimed to secure the World Cup trophy for his father but found himself physically drained, unable to sustain the energy required for another title.

The Inter Miami player vowed to carry forward his father's memory through raising his own children, vowing to teach them the values and methods he was raised with.