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Jorge’s death, retirement doubts
Lionel Messi posted a tribute to his late father, Jorge, on Wednesday, saying in Spanish, "I don't know what I'm going to do without you" and hinting that he may not continue playing soccer for much longer.
“Jorge Messi—who played a fundamental role in the soccer star's career, serving as his agent and managing his business affairs—died Saturday. He was 68.”
Messi said Jorge died Saturday at 68, and he described how difficult it was to lead Argentina to the World Cup final while his father’s health worsened.
He wrote that he "only played football" and now has "serious doubts" about whether he will keep doing it, while also recalling that his father urged him to play at the 2026 World Cup despite his worsening health.
Messi said he traveled to Argentina for his father’s funeral and missed Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup defeat to Monterrey, as his future with the club remained uncertain.
In the same tribute, Messi tied his World Cup run to his father’s condition, saying he wanted to win it so Jorge could recover and travel to watch him, but "I couldn't, my legs had nothing left."
Rivals respond to the post
Cristiano Ronaldo reacted to Messi’s tribute, writing, "A huge hug to you and yours in these tough times, Leo. Much strength."
The TUDN report said Messi published a farewell letter to Jorge, who died at 68 after a long illness, and it included Messi’s reflection that he was evaluating his future because his father was a major motivation.
Messi’s message also described the World Cup as the first major tournament where Jorge was not present, and he said he kept waiting for his father’s message after matches.
Al Jazeera said Messi, who was part of the Argentina side defeated by Spain in the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, returned to play domestic football in the United States with Inter Miami before cutting it short after Jorge’s death.
In the same context, Messi told readers, "All I ever did was play football, and now I have serious doubts about whether I'll keep doing it for much longer," as he weighed whether his playing days were coming to an end.
Contract, next matches, uncertainty
Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until the end of 2028, but multiple reports framed his immediate return as unclear after he missed Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup match against Monterrey.
“Inter Miami concludes the group phase of the tournament Wednesday night against León, though coach Guillermo Hoyos said Tuesday there is no timetable for Messi's return.”
Newser said Inter Miami concludes the group phase of the tournament Wednesday night against León, while coach Guillermo Hoyos said Tuesday there is no timetable for Messi’s return.
Sports Illustrated reported that Messi is "really not sure" if he will continue playing soccer "for much longer," while also noting his contract with Inter Miami until the end of 2028.
El Colombiano added that Argentina lost the final against Spain 1-0 on July 19 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, and it said Messi’s father’s health deteriorated during the North American 2026 World Cup.
Across the coverage, Messi’s tribute repeatedly returned to his physical limits in the final, including his line, "I couldn't, my legs just wouldn't hold up anymore," as he said he could not push past his body during the climax.
