Lionel Messi has admitted he is unsure how much longer he will continue playing football following the death of his father, Jorge Messi.
Jorge, who was 68, died last week after a long illness. He had been Messi’s agent since the Argentine star was 14 and played a major role in his football career.
In an emotional tribute on social media, Messi said he was struggling to imagine life without his father.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do without you,” the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner wrote.
“I don’t know how to carry on. I used to just play football, and now I’m really not sure if I’ll carry on doing it for much longer.”
Messi also revealed that his father had wanted him to play in one more World Cup.
“You kept asking me to play in one last World Cup,” Messi said. “I kept telling you that we were going to make it to the final so you could come along.”
Messi captained Argentina at the 2026 World Cup and helped them reach the final, where they lost 1-0 to Spain. He scored eight goals and provided four assists in eight appearances during the tournament.
The Argentine star said he had hoped to win the World Cup and take the trophy to his father.
“I wanted to win it so I could bring the trophy to you and show you a new one,” he wrote. “I couldn’t, my legs had nothing left.”
Messi’s family moved to Spain in 2001 after he joined Barcelona at the age of 13, while his father stayed with him during the early stages of his career.
Jorge later watched his son become one of the greatest players in football history, with Messi scoring 672 goals in 778 games for Barcelona and winning the Champions League four times and La Liga 10 times.
Messi also paid tribute to his father as a mentor and close friend.
“You were my dad, my friend and my mentor,” he said. “I’m going to miss you so much, but you’ll always be with me, especially in raising my children.”
He added: “Rest in peace, and watch over us from above just as you did here. Thank you for everything. I love you, Dad.”
Messi’s emotional message also attracted messages of support from football stars and friends.
Portugal captain Cristiano Ronaldo sent his condolences, saying: “A huge hug to you and yours in these hard times, Leo. Much strength.”
Inter Miami co-owner and former England international David Beckham also offered his support.
“We are with you and your family, Leo, always,” Beckham said.
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