Argentina national football team captain Lionel Messi expressed uncertainty about his future in football following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, last week. Jorge passed away at the age of 68 in a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina, after battling a prolonged illness.
In a heartfelt Instagram tribute, Messi revealed his struggle to move forward without his father’s presence. He admitted to having serious doubts about continuing his career, stating that football had been his sole focus and now he faces an uncertain path ahead.
Messi recalled how his father had been a constant support from the very beginning of his career, including his early days at Barcelona. Jorge was not only a pillar of strength but also served as Messi’s representative for several years, playing a crucial role in his professional journey.
In a significant development, Messi shared that one of the main reasons he participated in the recent World Cup was to fulfill his father’s wish. Jorge had urged him to play in the tournament, but his health worsened just days before it began. Messi described the emotional challenge of waiting for his father’s messages after each match, which made the reality of the situation painfully clear.
During the World Cup, Messi experienced a wave of emotions, notably breaking down in tears after scoring a hat-trick in the opening match against Algeria. He later explained that his tears were linked to personal struggles unrelated to football, reflecting the difficult days he endured.
Despite his desire to win the final for his father, Messi admitted he lacked the strength to secure a second World Cup title. He pushed himself beyond his physical limits but ultimately could not overcome his exhaustion. Although Argentina finished as runners-up to Spain after extra time, Messi emphasized how much he and his team cherished every moment of the tournament, fulfilling his father’s wish for him to be there and compete.
Looking ahead, the Inter Miami forward vowed to honor his father’s legacy through the upbringing of his own children. He expressed his deep sense of loss but promised that Jorge’s influence would remain strong in how he raises his family, carrying forward the values instilled in him.
