{
  "id": 701006,
  "title": "Messi doubts playing 'for much longer' after father's death",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/messi-doubts-playing-for-much-longer-after-fathers-death",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-12T21:03:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News",
    "slug": "abc-news",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-08-13/lionel-messi-casts-doubt-on-playing-future/107031174"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lionel Messi, the 39-year-old football legend, has expressed uncertainty about the longevity of his career after the recent passing of his father, Jorge, who died while being hospitalized during the FIFA World Cup. Messi shared his emotional tribute on social media, stating that he is unsure if he will continue playing for much longer. Jorge, who passed away at the age of 68, had been a significant figure in Messi's life and career. The Inter Miami forward, who is under contract with the team until 2028, earns a reported $34.5 million per season. Messi's emotional post highlights his regret over not being able to spend more time with his father, who had been supporting him throughout his football journey. Messi dedicated a significant portion of his post to remembering his father, describing him as a father, a friend, and a representative. The Argentine football star expressed his love for his father and promised to continue raising his children as Messi and his father did.",
  "summary": "Football legend Lionel Messi doubts his playing career will last \"much longer\" following the recent death of his father.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "I doubt I’ll keep playing football without you, Messi mourns father",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/i-doubt-ill-keep-playing-football-without-you-messi-mourns-father",
        "published": "2026-08-12T15:46:52.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News AU",
        "title": "Messi doubts playing 'for much longer' after father's death",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/12/messi-doubts-playing-for-much-longer-after-fathers-death-702992",
        "published": "2026-08-12T21:03:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}