Lionel Messi has shared his uncertainty about continuing his football career following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 on August 8. The Messi family had previously stated on June 18, during the World Cup, that Jorge was experiencing health problems and receiving close medical attention.
After Argentina’s group-stage victory over Algeria, Messi revealed that his emotional response to scoring two goals was due to experiencing ‘some difficult, complicated days.’ The 39-year-old posted a heartfelt message on social media, expressing his struggle with carrying on after losing his father. Jorge Messi played a major role in his son’s career, serving as his agent and business manager.
‘All I ever did was play football, and now I have a fair few doubts as to whether I’ll carry on doing it for much longer,’ Messi said. ‘You were by my side from the start, we were so close to the end of my career. Why didn’t you hang on just that little bit longer so we could finish it together?’
Over the years, advisors and counselors have left Messi’s team, often due to disagreements. Despite this, the bond between father and son remained strong. Jorge Messi acted both as Lionel’s agent and business manager, providing support throughout his career journey.
Before Lionel’s football success, Jorge worked as a supervisor at a metal factory in Rosario. He also coached at the local Grandoli soccer club, where Lionel played his first games before joining Newell’s Old Boys, Rosario’s largest club.
Jorge accompanied Lionel to Spain for a trial at Barcelona in September 2000, which led to Lionel’s move to the La Masia youth academy. This set the stage for a 21-year career at Barcelona, where Lionel scored a club-record 672 goals in 778 matches.
In 2021, Messi joined Paris Saint-Germain and later moved to MLS in 2023 with Inter Miami, where he currently plays. Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi’s long-time rival, extended his condolences on Instagram, writing, ‘A huge hug to you and your loved ones during these difficult times, Leo. Stay strong.’
Lionel Messi’s Full Statement
‘Dad, I still can’t believe you’re gone. I can’t wrap my head around it, or rather, I don’t want to. It’s hard to accept I’ll never see you again, or that we won’t talk anymore. I know you were suffering, and this was for the best, but you left us far too soon. We had so much left to enjoy together.’
‘You kept asking me to play in the last World Cup, and just days before it began, your health worsened. It was the first time you couldn’t attend a tournament, but Mum assured me you’d get better and be able to travel. I told you we’d make it to the final so you could join us.’
‘After each match, I’d wait for your message and when it didn’t come, I realized how critical things were. Even then, I couldn’t stop striving to go as far as possible, hoping you’d get to watch a match. We reached the final, but you weren’t there. I aimed to win it and bring you another trophy. On that day, my body couldn’t keep pushing beyond its limits. I never felt quite right.’
‘When I returned, you thought we’d lost on penalties. We couldn’t discuss anything that happened. You missed all the joy. Nonetheless, you were right: I had to be there and play.’
‘Sharing this because it’s the sole topic we never discussed, as you knew everything else. We talked daily and saw each other whenever possible, around my obligations.’
‘I don’t know how to proceed without you. Football was all I’ve ever done, and now I’m unsure how long I’ll continue. You were beside me from the beginning; we were nearing the end of my career. Why didn’t you hold on just a little longer?’
‘I know your happiness came from seeing the family well — your wife and children, and secretly, watching me play… 😉’
‘Since my childhood, you’d bring me to every training session as soon as you got home. Mum often took me since you were working.’
‘You never missed a match. You worried and enjoyed watching me, though you weren’t overly complimentary. You were a father, friend, and representative. You provided what was needed in every moment and never made mistakes. Despite disagreements, you were right. Things always unfolded as you predicted.’
‘I’ll miss you profoundly, but you’ll remain a presence, especially in raising my children, guided by the values you instilled in me.’
Rest in peace and continue watching over us from above as you did here. Thank you for everything. I love you, Dad.’ Instagram/@leomessi