Argentina's legendary footballer Lionel Messi has opened up about his future in the sport following the recent passing of his father, Jorge Messi. In a heartfelt social media post, the 39-year-old expressed his "serious doubts" about continuing to play football for "much longer" after losing the man who was not only his father but also his lifelong mentor and agent.
Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68, had been a significant influence in Lionel's life, guiding him through his career from a young age. Messi's emotional message highlighted the deep bond they shared, particularly in the context of the 2026 World Cup, where Jorge's absence was keenly felt. "I kept telling you we would reach the final so you could make the trip," Messi wrote, reflecting on the poignant moments leading up to the tournament.
Despite his father's declining health, Messi managed to lead Argentina to the final of the World Cup, where they faced Spain. However, the match ended in disappointment with a 1-0 loss. Messi's struggle during the game was evident as he admitted, "I tried to push past my physical limits, but I couldn’t. I never felt right." His performance was overshadowed by the emotional weight of his father's absence, a reality that became starkly clear to him after the final whistle.
After the match, Messi returned to his hometown of Rosario to spend time with family and mourn the loss. He recalled how his father was unable to enjoy the World Cup due to his health issues, stating, "When I arrived, you thought we had lost the final on penalties. We couldn’t talk about anything that had happened." This revelation underscores the profound impact of Jorge's illness on their relationship and Messi's emotional state during the tournament.
Messi's father was not only a parent but also a crucial figure in his professional life. He was the first coach who supported Messi's move to Barcelona at just 13 years old, leaving behind his job and family in Argentina to ensure his son received the necessary treatment for a growth hormone deficiency. Jorge's dedication to Messi's career continued as he negotiated contracts throughout his son's illustrious journey, from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain and now Inter Miami.
In his tribute, Messi described his father as "a father, a friend, and an agent," emphasizing the unique role Jorge played in his life. He fondly remembered how his father never missed a match and always took him to training sessions after work. The emotional weight of their relationship was palpable as Messi concluded his message with a heartfelt farewell, asking his father to watch over him from above.
As Messi contemplates his future in football, his contract with Inter Miami runs until the end of the 2028 season, leaving fans and the football world wondering about the next chapter in the life of one of the sport's greatest icons. The loss of his father may significantly influence his decisions moving forward, as he grapples with the dual challenges of grief and the demands of professional football.
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