ROSARIO, Argentina — Lionel Messi has expressed deep uncertainty about his future in football following the death of his father and long-time adviser, Jorge Messi, who died aged 68 after a prolonged illness.
The 39-year-old Argentina and Inter Miami forward shared an emotional message on social media, saying he was struggling to imagine continuing his career without the man who had been by his side since the beginning of his football journey.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do without you. I don’t know how I’ll continue. I only knew how to play football, but now I don’t know if I’ll continue playing for much longer.”
Messi also reflected on the years he and his father spent together and the feeling that their journey in football was approaching its final chapter.
“You were by my side from the beginning; there was so little left for us to reach the end. Why couldn’t you hold on a little longer so we could finish it together?”
Jorge Messi played a central role in Lionel Messi’s career, serving as his adviser and managing his interests from the time the footballer was 14.
He accompanied his son throughout a career that saw Messi become one of the most decorated and influential players in football history.
Messi captained Argentina to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup and later led the national team to the 2026 World Cup final, where Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain before Messi returned to his club side, Inter Miami.
Following his father’s death, Messi travelled to Argentina with his family.
Jorge Messi died in a hospital in Rosario, the city where Lionel Messi was born. His funeral was held privately on Sunday at a cemetery in Pérez, on the outskirts of Rosario.
Messi’s message has highlighted the profound personal impact of the loss and raised questions over whether the football legend will continue his playing career for much longer.
For a player whose professional journey has been closely intertwined with his father’s support and guidance, the loss marks a deeply emotional moment both on and off the pitch.
KIGALI TIMES