ROSARIO, ARGENTINA — WEB DESK: Argentina football superstar Lionel Messi has raised fresh questions about his playing future after the death of his father, Jorge Messi, saying he has serious doubts about how much longer he will continue playing football.
Messi shared an emotional tribute to his father on social media following Jorge Messi’s death at the age of 68. In the message, the Argentina captain reflected on his father’s influence throughout his career and the difficulty of moving forward without him.
Messi questions his football future
In his tribute, Messi said he did not know how he would continue without his father, who had been beside him since the beginning of his football career.
The 39-year-old footballer said he had always known how to play football, but now had serious doubts about how much longer he would continue doing so.
The comments have fueled speculation that Messi could be approaching the final stage of his illustrious playing career. However, he did not announce an immediate retirement.
Jorge Messi encouraged him to play in 2026 World Cup
Messi also revealed that his father continued encouraging him to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite his declining health.
According to Messi’s tribute, Jorge had hoped to see his son play in the tournament. Messi said he kept hoping to reach the final so his father might be able to attend a match.
However, Jorge Messi’s condition worsened before he could make the trip. Messi said he waited for his father’s messages after matches during the tournament and felt his absence deeply.
Father played major role in Messi’s career
Jorge Messi was not only Lionel’s father but also his longtime representative and an important figure throughout his football journey.
Messi recalled how his father supported him from childhood, including taking him to training sessions and remaining closely involved in his career.
The loss therefore comes at a particularly emotional point for Messi, who has spent much of his life with his father closely connected to his football career.
Retirement speculation intensifies
Messi’s latest comments come after months of speculation about his future in international football.
Earlier reports had suggested that the Argentine star could remain with the national team for some time while helping facilitate the transition to a younger generation of players, although questions remained over whether he would continue toward another World Cup cycle.
His latest tribute has intensified those questions, but Messi has not set a retirement date or formally announced that he is ending his career.
For now, his comments indicate uncertainty rather than a definitive decision.
A deeply personal farewell
Messi’s tribute also reflected his desire to preserve his father’s legacy through his own family.
He said he would continue carrying his father’s influence with him, particularly in the way he raises and guides his children.
The message marked one of the most personal public reflections from the football icon and offered an emotional glimpse into the relationship between the player and the man who supported him throughout his journey.
Jorge Messi died on August 7, 2026, at the age of 68. Messi’s tribute was published five days later.
