Lionel Messi unsure of playing future following his father Jorge's passing
Lionel Messi pays an emotional tribute to his late father and agent Jorge Messi, admitting he is uncertain how much longer he will keep playing.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
- Jorge Messi, Lionel's father and long-time agent, passed away at the age of 68 after a long illness.
- Messi posted an emotional tribute stating he is unsure how much longer he will continue his football career.
- Jorge had guided his son's career since age 14, helping him become one of the greatest players in history.
- Football icons Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham publicly sent messages of support to Messi and his family.
Lionel Messi has admitted that he is uncertain how much longer he will continue playing professional football following the death of his father and agent, Jorge Messi. Jorge passed away last week at the age of 68 in a hospital in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, after battling a long illness.
Jorge played a pivotal role throughout Messi's legendary career, serving as his agent since he was just 14 years old and watching him ascend to global stardom. Following his passing in Argentina, the family returned home, and a private funeral was held on Sunday at a cemetery in the town of Perez on the outskirts of Rosario.
Stock photo for illustration only, not from the actual event
In his touching tribute, Messi recalled how his father constantly asked him to play in one last World Cup, only for his health to deteriorate rapidly just days before the tournament began. Messi went on to make his sixth World Cup appearance as captain of Argentina at the 2026 tournament, playing eight matches, scoring eight goals, and providing four assists before leading his side to the final, which ended in a 1-0 defeat against Spain.
Messi's family originally relocated to Spain in February 2001 after Barcelona signed him at just 13 years of age. While his mother and three siblings soon returned to Rosario, Jorge remained by his side. Under his guidance, the forward netted a record 672 goals in 778 games for Barcelona, capturing four Champions League titles and 10 La Liga trophies before spells with Paris Saint-Germain and eventually Inter Miami, where his MLS contract runs until 2028.
"You were my dad, my friend and my mentor. You were always exactly the person you needed to be in every moment, and you were never wrong about anything."
Lionel Messi
The loss of Jorge Messi marks an immense emotional blow for the Argentine superstar, given how intertwined his father was with both his personal life and professional trajectory. Because Jorge managed his career from its very inception in Rosario all the way to Inter Miami, Messi's public uncertainty about his future highlights the profound void left by his mentor and primary advisor.
Following Messi's heartfelt statement, fellow football icon Cristiano Ronaldo reached out with a message of support. The 41-year-old Portugal international wrote, "A huge hug to you and yours in these hard times, Leo. Much strength." Meanwhile, Inter Miami co-owner David Beckham added, "We are with you and your family, Leo, always."
Source: BBC Sport
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