Messi Reflects on Father's Death, Questions Football Future

Lionel Messi, the captain of Argentina and forward for Inter Miami, mourned the passing of his father, Jorge Messi, in an emotional tribute shared on Instagram. Messi expressed disbelief over his father's death, stating, "I still can’t believe you’re gone," and reflected on the profound impact Jorge had on his life and career.

He recalled how his father had wished to see him play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, noting that Jorge's health had declined shortly before the tournament. Messi shared his feelings of loss, particularly missing his father's messages after matches, and his desire to win trophies to show him.

He revealed that after Argentina's final match, his father mistakenly thought they had lost, which added to Messi's grief. The 38-year-old footballer conveyed uncertainty about his future in the sport, stating, "I don’t know how to move forward," emphasizing the deep bond they shared as both father and son, as well as his father's role as his friend and agent.