Argentina captain Lionel Messi pays emotional tribute following father Jorge’s death.
Lionel Messi has given his clearest indication yet that his illustrious football career may be entering its final chapter, as the Argentina captain opened up about the death of his father, Jorge Messi.
The Argentina captain shared an emotional tribute on social media following Jorge’s death on August 7, aged 68. A pivotal figure in Messi’s life and career, Jorge represented and advised his son from his early days in football, helping guide his journey from Rosario to Barcelona and eventually to global stardom.
Messi revealed that his father had hoped to see him play at another World Cup despite his declining health. The 39-year-old fulfilled that wish by featuring at the 2026 tournament, where he helped Argentina reach the final before Spain defeated the defending champions in last month’s title clash.
Emotional tribute
Messi later revealed that he had hoped to lift another World Cup trophy in honour of his father, but Argentina ultimately fell short.
“I wanted to win another World Cup, I couldn’t,” Messi wrote in an emotional tribute, reflecting on the pain of competing at the tournament without his father by his side.
His latest comments have intensified speculation over his future, which had already been mounting ahead of the World Cup final. Before Argentina’s clash with Spain, Messi described the match as his “Last Tango”, further fuelling suggestions that his international career could be nearing its end.
Following his father’s death, Messi has now acknowledged that he is seriously considering what comes next.
“I don’t know how to go on,” he wrote, admitting that he has “serious doubts” about continuing to play for much longer.
Retirement announcement
Messi’s remarks do not amount to a retirement announcement, but they highlight the uncertainty surrounding his future. After more than two decades at the highest level, the Argentina captain appears to be contemplating life beyond football.
Jorge Messi played a pivotal role in his son’s extraordinary career, supporting Lionel throughout his early years in Argentina before becoming his agent and adviser. He remained a key figure as Messi moved to Barcelona and established himself as one of football’s greatest players.
The 2026 World Cup held particular emotional significance for Messi, given his father’s wish to see him compete on the biggest stage once more. Argentina came close to defending their title but ultimately lost to Spain, with Messi’s comments afterwards suggesting he was already considering whether his international career was nearing its end.
