Lionel Messi unsure how much longer he will play after father's death

Lionel Messi has publicly expressed uncertainty about his future in football following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away after a prolonged illness. The 39-year-old Argentine star, who led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and the 2026 final, shared an emotional social media message in which he questioned whether he would continue playing for "much longer." His father, who served as his agent and was a central figure in his career, died at 68, leaving Messi grappling with profound grief.

In his post, Messi reflected on the closeness of their relationship, describing Jorge as a father, friend, and agent who had been by his side since the beginning of his career. "I don’t know what I’m going to do without you," he 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." The message, shared on the day of his father’s private funeral in Rosario, Argentina, highlighted the emotional weight of Jorge’s absence during Argentina’s 2026 World Cup campaign.

Jorge Messi’s illness coincided with the 2026 World Cup, a tournament in which Argentina reached the final but fell to Spain. Messi revealed that his father had urged him to play in the competition, and he had hoped to win the trophy to share with him. "We made it to the final, but you couldn’t be there," Messi wrote. "I wanted to win it so I could bring the trophy to you and show you a new one. I couldn’t, my legs had nothing left." The forward admitted he had pushed himself physically during the tournament but felt "never right," a sentiment that now extends to his career trajectory.

The funeral for Jorge Messi took place on Sunday in the town of Perez, near Rosario, with close family and a few Argentina teammates in attendance. Local media reported that he had been battling cancer, though the cause of death was not officially disclosed in all sources. Messi’s family had previously asked the media for "humanity" during the World Cup, as rumors about Jorge’s health circulated. The forward’s emotional outburst after scoring in Argentina’s 3-0 win against Algeria—where he mentioned a "situation outside of sports"—hinted at the personal struggles he was facing.

Messi’s contract with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami runs until the end of the 2028 season, but his immediate future remains unclear. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has spent the past year with Inter Miami after leaving Paris Saint-Germain, has not yet commented on whether he will extend his career. His father’s death has added a layer of uncertainty to his decision, as Messi emphasized that Jorge had been an integral part of his life and career. "You were a father, a friend, and an agent. You were always exactly who you needed to be in every moment," he wrote.

While no formal retirement announcement has been made, Messi’s statements have sparked widespread speculation about his next steps. Fans and analysts alike have noted the emotional toll of losing a figure who had shaped his journey from a young player in Rosario to a global icon. Messi also mentioned his intention to carry his father’s influence into his role as a parent, vowing to raise his children "the way you raised me." The forward’s message closed with a heartfelt farewell: "I love you, Dad."

The football world awaits further clarification on Messi’s plans, but for now, his words underscore the deep personal impact of his father’s passing. As he navigates this period of grief, the question of whether he will continue playing remains unanswered, leaving fans to ponder the end of an era for one of the sport’s greatest legends.