Messi questions playing future in tribute to late father

Lionel Messi said Wednesday he has "serious doubts" about how much longer he will continue playing soccer, breaking his silence four days after the death of his father, Jorge, who was 68.aljazeera+1

In an emotional tribute posted on Instagram Meta Platforms, Inc. ↗ 1.85%, the 39-year-old Inter Miami forward revealed the physical toll of the 2026 World Cup and the grief that has left him questioning whether he can carry on without the man who guided his career from childhood.

"I don't know what I'm going to do without you. I don't know how to keep going," Messi wrote. "All I ever did was play soccer, and now I have serious doubts about whether I'll keep doing it for much longer."abcnews+1

A World Cup Run Shadowed by Grief

Jorge Messi, who served as his son's agent and managed his business affairs throughout his career, had been battling a prolonged illness. His condition worsened just before the World Cup began, and for the first time, he was unable to attend one of his son's tournaments.athlonsports+1

Messi disclosed that he played the entire tournament knowing his father's health was deteriorating. After each match, he waited for a message from Jorge that never came. "That's when I realized the situation was really serious," he wrote.bolavip+1

Argentina reached the final, where they fell 1-0 to Spain in extra time. Messi, who recorded eight goals and four assists across eight matches, admitted his body failed him when it mattered most. "I wanted to win it for you," he wrote. "I couldn't. My legs had nothing left. This time I tried to push beyond what my body could handle, but I couldn't. I never managed to feel right."foxsports+1

What Comes Next

Messi returned to Argentina after the World Cup final to be with his father, only to find Jorge could not recall the details of the match. Jorge died on August 8 at Sanatorio Centro medical clinic in Rosario.usatoday+1

Inter Miami coach Guillermo Hoyos said Tuesday there is no timetable for Messi's return to the club. Cristiano Ronaldo was among those offering condolences, writing on Messi's post: "A huge hug to you and yours in these tough times, Leo. Much strength."openthemagazine+1

Messi closed his tribute with a promise to honor his father through the way he raises his own children. "Thank you for everything," he wrote. "I love you, Dad."foxsports+1