Messi unsure he will play 'much longer' after father's death
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- Lionel Messi said he is unsure how much longer he will continue playing football, posting an emotional social media tribute after his father Jorge died at 68 following a long illness
- Jorge Messi had been his son's agent since age 14 and was the Argentina forward's closest career adviser, having watched him become one of football's greatest players
- Messi captained Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final, which they lost 1-0 to Spain, revealing his father had asked him to play in 'one last World Cup' before taking a turn for the worse days before the tournament started
- Messi played eight games at the 2026 tournament, scoring eight goals and registering four assists, and has 125 goals in 207 career international appearances for Argentina
- Jorge Messi died in a hospital in Rosario, with a private funeral taking place Sunday at a cemetery in the town of Perez on the outskirts of Rosario
- Cristiano Ronaldo and David Beckham posted messages of condolence, with Inter Miami co-owner Beckham writing: 'We are with you and your family, Leo, always'
Why it matters: Messi openly questioning his future after his father's death — not age or fitness — reframes the retirement conversation around personal loss. Jorge had been Messi's agent since age 14 and his closest career adviser, removing both a family anchor and a professional pillar. Messi's admission that 'my legs had nothing left' after the 2026 final loss to Spain adds a physical dimension.
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