Lionel Messi has revealed the deep emotional impact of losing his father, Jorge Messi, and admitted that he is uncertain about whether he can continue his football career. The Argentine superstar shared his grief publicly after the death of his father at the age of 68, describing the loss as a moment that has left him struggling to imagine life without one of the most important people in his journey.

Jorge Messi passed away on August 7 after a period of illness. His health problems had been a major concern during Lionel Messi’s impressive World Cup campaign in the United States, where the Argentina captain guided his national team to the final. Throughout the tournament, Messi carried the emotional weight of worrying about his father’s condition while attempting to achieve a historic goal on the pitch.

Following Argentina’s group-stage victory over Algeria, Messi was seen breaking down in tears as Jorge’s health continued to decline. After his father’s passing, the football icon posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, expressing his pain and uncertainty about the future.

In his emotional message, Messi said that he still struggled to accept that his father was gone. He explained that the reality of never seeing or speaking with Jorge again was almost impossible to process. Although he understood that his father had been suffering and that his passing had ended his pain, Messi felt that Jorge had left far too early and that they still had many moments they should have shared together.

Messi also admitted that he did not know how he would continue without his father’s presence. He revealed that he had begun questioning whether he would remain involved in football for much longer. Since childhood, Jorge had been beside him, supporting and guiding him through every stage of his career. Messi described the bond as something that lasted from the beginning of his football journey until almost the very end of his father’s life.

The Argentine star expressed sadness that his father could not stay long enough to witness the final chapter of his World Cup dream. He wished they could have completed that journey together, sharing the experience of competing for the biggest trophy in football.

Cristiano Ronaldo, Messi’s longtime rival and one of the greatest players of his generation, offered his condolences after seeing the emotional post. The Portuguese forward sent a message of support, offering strength and sympathy to Messi and his family during such a difficult period.

Ronaldo understands the pain of losing a parent. In 2005, when he was only 20 years old, he lost his father, José Dinis Aveiro, due to health complications linked to alcoholism. Years later, Ronaldo explained that their relationship had been complicated and that he never truly had the chance to share normal conversations with his father. He described that experience as extremely painful and difficult to accept.

Messi previously explained that his father was one of the main reasons he wanted to participate in the World Cup. Jorge encouraged him to compete in what could have been another unforgettable tournament. However, despite Messi’s determination, physical limitations prevented him from performing at his best, and Argentina eventually lost the final 1-0 to Spain in New York.

In his tribute, Messi recalled how his father had repeatedly encouraged him to play in the tournament. Shortly before the competition began, Jorge’s condition became worse, and it appeared unlikely that he would be able to travel and watch his son play. Messi said that he promised his father Argentina would reach the final so that Jorge might have the chance to be there.

After every match, Messi waited for his father’s messages and realized how serious the situation had become when those messages stopped arriving. Despite the emotional pressure, he continued fighting on the field because he wanted to give his father more opportunities to watch him play.

Argentina eventually reached the final, but Jorge was unable to attend. Messi wanted to win the trophy for his father and bring home another special achievement for him. However, he admitted that his body could no longer cope with the demands of the competition and that he was unable to overcome his physical struggles.

When Messi returned home, his father believed Argentina had lost the final through a penalty shootout. The two never had the opportunity to discuss the full details of what happened. Messi expressed sadness that his father could not enjoy the tournament’s unforgettable moments, but he also said that Jorge was right when he encouraged him to participate because being there had been meaningful.

The football world responded with an outpouring of sympathy following Jorge Messi’s death. Tributes came from many organizations connected to Messi, including his childhood club Newell’s Old Boys, Barcelona, and the Argentine national team. Fans and players around the world also shared messages of support for the football legend and his family.

Messi missed Inter Miami’s match against Monterrey after returning home to Argentina following his father’s death. Later, he thanked supporters for the kindness and respect they had shown during his period of mourning.

He expressed his gratitude to everyone who sent messages, offered support, and respected his family’s privacy. Messi said that the love and compassion shown by fans had provided comfort during one of the most painful moments of his life.

The death of Jorge Messi represents not only the loss of a father but also the loss of a lifelong mentor who played a crucial role in shaping one of football’s greatest careers. For Lionel Messi, Jorge was more than a parent — he was a guide, supporter, and constant presence throughout his extraordinary journey from a young boy in Rosario to a global football icon.