Lionel Messi has opened up about his future in football, stating he is "not sure" how much longer he will continue to play following the recent death of his father, Jorge Messi. Jorge, who passed away at the age of 68 after a prolonged illness, played a crucial role in Messi's life, serving as both his father and agent since Lionel was just 14 years old.
In a heartfelt tribute shared on social media, Messi expressed his deep sorrow and uncertainty about continuing his career without his father's guidance. He wrote, "I don't know how to carry on. I used to just play football, and now I'm really not sure if I'll carry on doing it for much longer." This poignant message highlights the profound impact Jorge had on Messi's life, both personally and professionally.
Jorge Messi was instrumental in shaping Lionel's career, overseeing his rise to become one of the greatest footballers in history. The bond they shared was evident, and Messi's emotional tribute reflects the deep sense of loss he feels. He lamented, "You were by my side from the beginning; there was so little left until the end. Why couldn't you hold on just a little longer so we could finish it together?" This statement underscores the close relationship they had and the void left by Jorge's passing.
Messi recently led the Argentina national team to victory in the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, a crowning achievement in his illustrious career. However, the team faced disappointment in the latest international tournament, falling to Spain in the final. This defeat raised questions about Messi's future with the national team, especially after manager Lionel Scaloni hinted at potential changes following the loss.
Despite these uncertainties, Messi had previously committed to continuing his club career with Inter Miami, having signed a contract extension with the Major League Soccer (MLS) team until 2028. However, the emotional toll of his father's death may influence his decision to prolong his playing days.
After Jorge's passing, Messi returned to Argentina to be with his family. He missed a recent match with Inter Miami against Monterrey, during which his teammates honored his father by wearing black armbands. Rodrigo De Paul, a fellow player, paid tribute to Jorge with a goal celebration, demonstrating the respect and camaraderie within the team during this difficult time.
The funeral for Jorge Messi was held privately in Perez, a town near Rosario, where the family gathered to mourn their loss. Messi's tribute continued with a heartfelt message, stating, "Dad, I still can't believe you're gone. It hasn't sunk in, or rather, I don't want it to. It's so hard for me to imagine that I'll never see you again, that we'll never talk again. I know you were suffering and that this is for the best, but you left too soon. We still had so much left to enjoy together." This reflection captures the deep emotional struggle Messi faces as he navigates life and career without his father's support.
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