Messi Questions Future in Soccer After Father’s Death, Reflects on Inter Miami Career

Lionel Messi, the renowned soccer player, has expressed uncertainty about the future of his playing career following the death of his father, Jorge Messi. Jorge Messi passed away on Saturday at the age of 68 after being hospitalized during the recent World Cup. In a heartfelt statement shared on social media, Lionel Messi revealed his emotional struggle and doubts about continuing his professional journey.

Emotional Tribute to Jorge Messi

In his post, Messi articulated profound grief, stating he “does not know how to carry on.” He reflected on the pivotal role his father played in his life and career. Messi noted, “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.” He lamented the timing of his father’s passing, questioning why Jorge could not have held on a bit longer to witness the culmination of his career.

Messi’s Current Status with Inter Miami

At 39 years old, Messi is currently in his fourth season with Inter Miami. He has achieved notable success, leading the team to its first MLS Cup championship last season and earning his second consecutive league MVP award. However, following the recent loss to Club Leon in the Leagues Cup, where he came off the bench and had three shots on goal without scoring, Messi’s team was eliminated from the competition.

Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until 2028, with a reported base salary of $25 million per season. His future in the sport, however, now appears uncertain as he grapples with personal loss.

Jorge Messi’s Influence on His Career

Jorge Messi was instrumental in shaping his son’s career, serving not only as a father but also as his agent and business manager. The bond between them was profound, and Lionel Messi’s recent reflections highlight the depth of their relationship. He recalled how his father was always present at matches and training sessions, emphasizing the sacrifices Jorge made to support his aspirations.

Messi’s Heartfelt Reflections

In his emotional tribute, Messi shared memories of his father, expressing disbelief over his passing. He conveyed the difficulty of imagining life without Jorge, stating, “I can’t get my head round it — or rather, I don’t want to.” Messi acknowledged his father’s suffering but also recognized the void left by his absence.

He recounted how Jorge had encouraged him to participate in the last World Cup, despite his declining health. Messi expressed regret that his father could not be there to witness the tournament, stating, “I wanted to win it so I could take it to you and show you another trophy.” He reflected on the challenges he faced during the final match, revealing that he felt physically limited.

Looking Ahead

As Messi contemplates his future, he is left with uncertainty about his career trajectory. He stated, “I don’t know what I’m going to do without you, I don’t know how to carry on.” The emotional weight of losing his father has led him to question his commitment to soccer, a sport that has defined his life.

Messi’s reflections also included a promise to honor his father’s legacy by raising his children with the same values instilled in him. He concluded his tribute with a heartfelt message, expressing gratitude for everything his father had done for him.

For further details, visit the original reporting source: Emirates247.

Read all the latest developments and breaking updates in the Latest News section.

Published on 2026-08-13 09:31:00 • By the Editorial Desk