Lionel Messi’s emotional tribute to his late father reveals his doubts about his future on the pitch

Messi’s Emotional Tribute to Father Reveals Career Doubts

Goldlaner.com – Lionel Messi has shared an emotional tribute to his father Jorge Messi, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 68. The Inter Miami forward opened up about his grief and uncertainty regarding his football future in a heartfelt Instagram post that has resonated with fans worldwide.

“Dad, I still can’t believe you’re gone. It hasn’t sunk in, or rather, I don’t want it to sink in,” Messi wrote in the message that quickly spread across social media platforms.

A World Cup Without His Father

The timing of Jorge Messi’s death carried particular significance, arriving shortly after the conclusion of the 2026 World Cup in the United States. The Argentine legend, now 39 years old, had competed in the tournament without his father’s presence, as Jorge was battling a serious health condition that prevented him from traveling to North America.

“You kept asking me to play in the last World Cup and just days before it started was when you got worse. It was the first time you weren’t going to be at a tournament, but mom told me you were going to get better and that you’d be well enough to travel. I told you we’d make it to the final so you could come,” Messi recalled.

Messi described how communication with his father became increasingly difficult as the illness progressed. He explained that after each match, he would wait for a message from Jorge that would never come.

“Every time a match ended, I waited for and missed your message. That’s when I realized the situation was really bad. Even so, I kept thinking about going as far as possible, to give you time and so you could watch a match,” he said.

Physical Limits and Career Crossroads

The final match of the tournament saw Spain defeat Argentina’s Albiceleste to claim their second World Cup title. For Messi, the defeat represented more than just a sporting disappointment—it symbolized the physical toll that age and grief were taking on him.

“I wanted to win it to bring (the trophy) to you and show you a new one. I couldn’t, my legs couldn’t go any further. This time I tried to go against my body, but I couldn’t. I never managed to feel well,” Messi wrote.

At 39, Messi has already established himself as one of the greatest players in football history. However, his letter suggests he may be approaching the end of his playing days. He directly connected his potential retirement to his father’s absence.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do without you, I don’t know how to go on. I only played football and now I have quite a few doubts about whether I’ll keep doing it for much longer,” he admitted.

Messi also reflected on the timing of his father’s passing, wondering if Jorge could have held on just a little longer so they could have finished their journey together on the pitch.

A Father, Friend, and Agent

The tribute highlighted the multifaceted role Jorge Messi played in his son’s life. Beyond being a supportive parent, he accompanied Lionel to nearly every training session after his own workday ended. He was described as someone who both suffered through and enjoyed watching his son’s matches.

“You were a father, friend, and agent. You were always the person you needed to be at every moment and you never made a mistake. Beyond a few reproaches or arguments, you were always right. In the end, things always turned out the way you said,” Messi wrote.

Messi noted that his father rarely offered many compliments, yet his guidance proved invaluable throughout his career. The legend also promised that his children would be raised in the same manner that Jorge raised him.

Global Tributes Pour In

News of Jorge Messi’s passing, confirmed by Sanatorio Centro hospital where he was receiving treatment, sparked an outpouring of condolences from the international sporting community. Messi traveled to his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, over the weekend to attend the wake.

Among those who commented on Messi’s Instagram post were former Barcelona teammate Neymar, Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modrić, tennis star Carlos Alcaraz, and most notably, Cristiano Ronaldo. The Portuguese superstar, Messi’s longtime rival on the pitch, wrote: “A huge hug for you and yours in these hard moments, Leo. A lot of strength to you.”

In a separate post, Messi expressed gratitude to everyone who reached out during this difficult period.

“Thank you for being with us, for every message, every gesture, and above all, for respecting our pain and our privacy,” he said.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Jorge Messi pass away?

Jorge Messi passed away on Saturday, August 10, 2026, at the age of 68. His death was confirmed by Sanatorio Centro hospital in Rosario, Argentina, where he had been receiving treatment for a serious health condition.

How old is Lionel Messi now?

Lionel Messi is 39 years old as of 2026. He was born on June 24, 1987, in Rosario, Argentina.

What did Messi say about his future in football?

In his emotional tribute, Messi expressed uncertainty about continuing his playing career. He stated: “I only played football and now I have quite a few doubts about whether I’ll keep doing it for much longer,” directly linking his potential retirement to his father’s absence.

Who won the 2026 World Cup?

Spain defeated Argentina in the final of the 2026 World Cup, which was held in the United States. This marked Spain’s second World Cup title.

Which famous athletes commented on Messi’s tribute?

Notable figures who commented on Messi’s Instagram post included former Barcelona teammate Neymar, Real Madrid midfielder Luka Modrić, tennis star Carlos Alcaraz, and longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo.