Lionel Messi has recently expressed uncertainty about continuing his football career following the death of his father, Jorge Messi. Jorge passed away on August 8 at the age of 68. Messi’s family had mentioned in a statement on June 18, during the World Cup, that Jorge was facing health issues and receiving medical care.
After Argentina’s group-stage victory over Algeria, Messi attributed his emotional response to scoring two goals to experiencing “some difficult, complicated days.” Messi, who is 39, shared an emotional message on social media, noting he is struggling to move forward without his father, who was influential as both his agent and business manager throughout his career.
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. You were by my side from the start, we were so close to the end. Why didn’t you hang on just that little bit longer so we could finish it together?
Despite previous disagreements causing advisors to leave Messi’s team, the bond between Lionel and his father remained strong. Jorge served as both agent and business manager, supporting Messi from the beginning. Before Messi’s career soared, Jorge worked at a metal factory in Rosario. He also coached Lionel at Grandoli soccer club, where the young Messi took his first steps in the sport before moving to Newell’s Old Boys.
Jorge followed Lionel to Spain at age 13, enabling him to trial with Barcelona in September 2000. This eventually led to his move to La Masia, Barcelona’s youth academy, and a career spanning 21 years with the club. Messi scored a record 672 goals for Barcelona in 778 appearances. In 2021, he joined Paris Saint-Germain and moved to MLS with Inter Miami in 2023.
Among those who mourned Jorge’s passing was Cristiano Ronaldo, a long-time rival, who shared words of support on Instagram: “A huge hug to you and your loved ones during these difficult times, Leo. Stay strong.”
Full Statement from Lionel Messi
Messi’s statement reflects his personal grief and the deep connection with his father:
Dad, I still can’t believe you’re gone. I can’t get my head around it — or rather, I don’t want to. It’s so hard for me to accept that I won’t see you ever again. I know you were in pain and this was for the best, but you left too soon. We still had so much to enjoy together.
You insisted on me playing in the last World Cup, and it was just days before it started that your condition worsened. It was the first time you weren’t going to be there. Mum assured me you’d recover and travel. I promised to take us to the final.
After each game ended, I missed your messages. Reality hit when I understood you wouldn’t see the final. I wanted to win it for you. I couldn’t push myself beyond my limits. It didn’t feel right.
When I returned, you thought we lost the final. We couldn’t discuss what happened. Despite not winning, you can’t imagine how much we cherished every match. Again, you were right: I had to play.
Messi also recounted fond memories of his father’s unwavering support since childhood:
You always prioritized family and cherished watching me play, in secret, yet proud. As a child, you took me to training whenever you got home from work. Mum covered sessions you couldn’t attend due to work. You never missed a match, enduring the emotions with me. We shared everything until the end.
I don’t know how I’ll manage without you, but your influence will guide me in raising my children, just as you did with me. Rest in peace and continue to support us, as always. Thank you for everything. I love you, dad.
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