Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine footballer, shared a poignant message on social media on Wednesday, addressing the profound impact of his father's death. Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 in Rosario, Argentina, on August 8, had been battling an undisclosed illness that worsened just before the start of the 2026 World Cup. In his emotional tribute, Messi opened up about the uncertainty he feels regarding his future in football without his father by his side.
In his heartfelt letter, Messi expressed the deep bond he shared with his father and the difficulty of imagining life without him. He wrote, "I don’t know how to carry on. 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." This reflection comes during a challenging time in Messi's life, as he grapples with the loss of a figure who was instrumental in his journey as a player.
Messi reminisced about the close relationship they shared, noting, "You were by my side from the start, we were so close to the end. Why didn’t you hang on just that little bit longer so we could finish it together?" His words highlight the emotional weight of losing a parent, especially one who played such a crucial role in his development as an athlete.
At 39 years old, Messi recently concluded a remarkable World Cup campaign where he led Argentina to the final, only to fall short against Spain in a tightly contested match that ended 1-0 after extra time. Despite the disappointment, Messi solidified his legacy as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport, ranking second all-time in World Cup goals with 21. His achievements include leading Argentina to victory in the 2022 World Cup, a feat that has immortalized him in his country's football history.
Messi's career has been marked by numerous accolades, including a storied tenure at FC Barcelona before moving to Major League Soccer's Inter Miami in 2023. There, he led the team to an MLS Cup victory and earned the MLS Cup MVP award. His return to MLS action on August 1 came after a brief hiatus following the World Cup, during which he expressed the emotional toll of the tournament's outcome.
In his letter, Messi reflected on the moments he shared with his father during the World Cup, revealing that Jorge had encouraged him to participate in the tournament. Messi lamented the fact that his father could not be there to witness his journey, stating, "I wanted to win it so I could take it to you and show you another trophy. I couldn’t do it, my legs wouldn’t carry me any further." This sentiment underscores the personal stakes Messi felt throughout the tournament, as he sought to honor his father's wishes.
Messi concluded his message with a heartfelt farewell, expressing the void left by his father's passing and the legacy he hopes to continue through his own children. He wrote, "I’m going to miss you so much, but you’ll always be present, and above all in bringing up my children, because I’m teaching and raising them as you both did with me." As he navigates this difficult period, Messi's reflections serve as a reminder of the profound connections that shape our lives and careers.
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