ROSARIO, Argentina — Argentine football legend Lionel Messi has thrown his playing future into uncertainty following the tragic passing of his father and longtime representative, Jorge Messi. In a deeply emotional public tribute shared on social media, the 39-year-old superstar admitted he is struggling to see a path forward in the sport without his father by his side.
Jorge Messi passed away on August 8, 2026, at the age of 68 in Rosario, Argentina, following a prolonged illness. Throughout his son’s extraordinary career, Jorge served not only as a devoted father but also as his primary manager, agent, and strategic adviser—guiding him from his early days at Newell’s Old Boys to world stardom with FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami, and the Argentine national team.
An Emotional Farewell and Retirement Doubts
Addressing his father’s demise publicly for the first time after attending the funeral in Rosario, Messi expressed immense sorrow and admitted that his passion to continue playing professional football has been deeply shaken.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do without you, I don’t know how to carry on,” Messi wrote in an emotional message on Instagram. “I only played football, and now I have quite a few doubts that I will keep doing it for much longer. You were by my side from the beginning; there was so little left until the end.”
The Pillar Behind Football’s Greatest Legend
Jorge Messi played an indispensable role in shaping one of the most remarkable careers in sports history. In 2000, Jorge made the life-changing decision to travel with a 13-year-old Lionel to Spain, negotiating the crucial youth contract with FC Barcelona that covered the costly medical treatments for Lionel’s growth hormone deficiency.
Across more than two decades, Jorge remained the quiet force managing Messi’s business affairs and contract negotiations, shielding his son from off-pitch distractions so he could focus entirely on the game.
Global Condolences Pour In
The global football community has rallied around the Messi family in the wake of the news. Tributes and condolences have poured in from the Argentine Football Association (AFA), FC Barcelona, Newell’s Old Boys, and former teammates across the globe.
Currently granted leave by Inter Miami to mourn with his family, Messi has not set a timeline for a potential return to the pitch, leaving football fans worldwide waiting to see whether the legendary forward will decide to hang up his boots for good.
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