Football icon Lionel Messi has suggested that his professional playing career may be nearing its end after the recent death of his father, Jorge Messi. The 39-year-old forward, who played for Argentina in their 2026 World Cup final loss against Spain, shared his internal struggles in a poignant social media statement on Wednesday.
Reflecting on the loss, Messi admitted to feeling uncertain about his future in the sport. He expressed profound heartbreak, noting that football was his life’s focus, and without his father’s guidance, he feels unsure of how to proceed. Jorge Messi, who was 68, served as his son’s agent and played a fundamental role throughout his career.
Although Messi is under contract with Inter Miami through 2028, his emotional tribute highlighted how his father had hoped to see him compete in the 2026 tournament. Messi explained that his performance on the field was heavily impacted by these personal circumstances, stating that he struggled to reach his usual physical capacity during the competition.
The private funeral for Jorge Messi was held this past Sunday in Perez, near Rosario. While the specific medical cause of death was not publicly released, reports indicate he had been fighting cancer. Messi concluded his message by pledging to honor his father’s legacy by instilling the same core values in his own children.
