Messi Questions His Future in Football Following Father’s Passing
Lionel Messi reflects on his future in football following the loss of his father, Jorge, whose impact profoundly shaped his career and journey.
Lionel Messi has expressed uncertainty about the future of his football career after the passing of his father, Jorge, last week.
Jorge Messi passed away at the age of 68 in a medical clinic located in the Argentine city of Rosario, following a prolonged illness.
“I’m uncertain about how I will manage without you.” I am uncertain about how to proceed. “I have only played football, and now I find myself with several doubts about whether I will continue with it for much longer,” Messi expressed in a tribute on Instagram.
“You stood by me from the start; there was so little time remaining until the conclusion.” “Why weren’t you able to hold on just a bit longer so we could complete it together?”
Jorge was a constant presence in his son’s life as he navigated his career, starting from his formative years at Barcelona. He served as Messi’s representative for several years as well.
The 39-year-old captain of Argentina disclosed that one motivation for his participation in the World Cup, where Argentina ended as runners-up to Spain following an extra-time loss in the final, was to fulfill his father’s wish.
“You always wanted me to play in the last World Cup, and just a few days before it began, that’s when your condition worsened,” Messi said.
“It was the first time you wouldn’t be attending a tournament…” Each time a match concluded, I found myself waiting and wishing for your message. That was the moment I understood the gravity of the situation.
During the World Cup, Messi felt a blend of emotions after netting a hat-trick in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria. He was overcome with emotion as he celebrated his first goal, tears streaming down his face.
He later clarified that his tears were a result of “something unrelated to football” after experiencing “a few difficult, complicated days.”
Messi expressed his desire to win the final for his father, yet he felt he had no energy remaining to achieve a second World Cup title.
My legs could no longer carry me forward. This time, I attempted to extend my physical boundaries, but I was unable to do so. I never felt good… We may not have been champions, but the joy we found in every match was immeasurable. “Once again, you were right: I had to be there and play it,” Messi stated.
In the midst of his sorrow, the Inter Miami forward expressed his intention to honor his father’s memory by raising his children.
“I’m going to miss you deeply, but your presence will always be felt, particularly in how I raise my children. I will teach them and nurture them just as you did with me,” he said.
