Messi hints at retirement after father's death
Kevin Hand
Lionel Messi has suggested his playing days may be numbered following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, at 68. In a heartfelt social media post, the Argentine star expressed doubts about continuing his career without the man who was also his agent and confidant.
Lionel Messi, one of the greatest footballers in history, has hinted that his playing career may soon be over following the death of his father.
The 39-year-old, who was part of the Argentina side that lost to Spain in the 2026 World Cup final, started his career at Barcelona's youth academy. After that defeat in New Jersey in July, he returned to the United States to play for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer (MLS).
However, Messi's plans were disrupted when his father, Jorge Messi, died aged 68 on August 8 after a long illness. In a message posted on X on Wednesday, Messi expressed his sense of loss and uncertainty without his father by his side.
“All I ever did was play football, and now I have serious doubts about whether I can continue much longer,” Messi wrote. “I don't know what I will do without him. I don't know how to go on.”
Messi, whose father also served as his agent, remains under contract with Inter Miami through the 2028 season. However, after Argentina failed to defend the World Cup title they won in Qatar in 2022, speculation has grown that he might retire soon.
In his emotional message, Messi also recalled the final months of his father's life, which coincided with the World Cup. “I kept telling him that we would reach the final so he could fly over to watch,” Messi shared. “We reached the final, but he couldn't come. I wanted to win to bring the trophy back to him. But I couldn't do it.”
Messi also emphasized the crucial role his father played in his life and career: “He was a father, a friend, an agent. He was always the one I needed in every moment, and he never made a mistake.”
Earlier, Jorge Messi's unusual absence from World Cup matches in June had drawn attention. The Messi family had asked the media to “show humanity” amid persistent rumors about his health. After openly weeping when scoring against Algeria, Messi admitted he was dealing with “a situation beyond sport.”
Messi also revealed that one of the main reasons he took part in this World Cup was because it was his father's wish. “He always wanted me to play in the last World Cup, and a few days before the tournament began, his condition worsened,” he said.
On Sunday, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner bid farewell to his father in a private ceremony with family and a few Argentina teammates in the town of Perez, near Rosario. The cause of death was not disclosed, but local media reported that Jorge Messi had cancer.
Despite his grief, Messi committed to honoring his father through raising his own children: “I will miss him terribly, but he will always be present, especially in the way I raise my children, because I will teach them and bring them up the way he raised me.”
