Lionel Messi Expresses Uncertainty About Future in Heartfelt Tribute to Late Father

Lionel Messi, one of the world’s most renowned soccer players, has voiced concerns about the future of his playing career following the passing of his father, Jorge Messi. Jorge died at the age of 68 on August 8. The Messi family had previously informed the public in June, during the World Cup, that Jorge was experiencing health issues and was under close medical supervision.

After a group-stage victory over Algeria, Messi revealed that his emotional response to scoring two goals was linked to enduring some challenging times. Currently 39 years old, Messi shared an emotional message on social media, stating his uncertainty about continuing to play soccer for much longer. His father had played a pivotal role in his career, serving as both his agent and business manager.

“All I ever did was play football, and now I have a fair few doubts as to whether I’ll carry on doing it for much longer,” Messi admitted. “You were by my side from the start, we were so close to the end of my career. Why didn’t you hang on just that little bit longer so we could finish it together?”

Despite personnel changes over the years in Messi’s career team, Jorge remained a constant presence, acting in concert with his son. As Messi’s agent and manager, Jorge was instrumental in shaping his career. Prior to his son’s success, Jorge was a supervisor at a metal factory in Rosario. He also coached at the Grandoli soccer club, where young Messi began playing before advancing to Rosario’s Newell’s Old Boys.

Jorge accompanied a 13-year-old Lionel to Spain for a trial with Barcelona in 2000. This trial led Messi to join Barcelona’s youth academy, La Masia, kickstarting a 21-year tenure with the club where he became the all-time top scorer with 672 goals in 778 appearances. He later signed with Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 and joined MLS’s Inter Miami in 2023.

Many paid tribute to Messi’s father after his passing, including Messi’s long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo, who offered his support on Instagram, saying, “A huge hug to you and your loved ones during these difficult times, Leo. Stay strong.”

In a deeply personal statement, Messi addressed his father directly, expressing disbelief and heartache at his passing.

“Dad, I still can’t believe you’re gone. I can’t get my head round it, or rather, I don’t want to,” Messi wrote. “It’s so hard for me to imagine that I won’t see you ever again.”

Messi shared how his father motivated him to compete in the last World Cup, despite not being able to attend due to his illness. Messi found himself waiting for post-match messages from his father, realizing the severity of the situation when those messages stopped coming.

Though Messi’s team reached the final, his father wasn’t there to witness it. Messi expressed a desire to win the title for his father but felt physically unable to push any further.

Reflecting on their close relationship, Messi highlighted how his father balanced being a dad, a friend, and a representative. He mentioned how Jorge never missed a match and provided unwavering support throughout his career.

In his concluding remarks, Messi affirmed his intention to honor his father’s legacy by raising his own children with the values instilled in him by his parents.

“Rest in peace and look after us from up there, just as you did here. Thank you for everything. I love you, dad.”