Messi 'not sure' how much longer he will play football following father's death

Lionel Messi has said he is not sure how long he will continue playing football as he shared a heartfelt tribute to his late father on social media.

Jorge Messi, 68, is reported to have died in Rosario on Friday night, after battling long-term illness.

As part of the post, which has over six million likes on Instagram, the Messi wrote: “I don’t know how to carry on.

“I used to just play football, and now I’m really not sure if I’ll carry on doing it for much longer.

“You were by my side from the beginning; there was so little left until the end. Why couldn’t you hold on just a little longer so we could finish it together?”

The Argentine forward added: “I know you were suffering and that this is for the best, but you left too soon. We still had a lot left to enjoy together.”

Messi captioned the statement “Te amo, pa”, which translates to I love you dad.

“I’m going to miss you so much, but you’ll always be present, especially in bringing up my children, because I’m teaching and raising them as you both did with me,” he wrote.

“Rest in peace and look after us from up there, just as you did here. Thank you for everything.”

Jorge Messi was a hugely influential figure during his son’s early career and also worked as his agent.

Argentine sports club, Newell’s Old Boys, said in a statement after his death: “Jorge was the support and the person who underpinned with vision, rigor and affection the career of the best player of all time together with his wife, Celia Cuccittini.

A fan holds a sign in memory of Jorge Messi, who passed away during the first half of a Leagues Cup soccer match / Credit: AP

“His constant accompaniment and leadership behind the scenes were fundamental to support Lionel’s every step, from his beginnings in Malvinas to the maximum glory of world football. Thank you for teaching him to love these colours.

“The Board of Directors, members, athletes and the entire leproso family embrace with affection Celia, Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol and all their loved ones and relatives in this difficult time.”

Footballer Messi led Argentina to the 2026 Fifa World Cup final this year, losing 1-0 to Spain, before returning to Inter Miami.

The Messi family had released a statement during the tournament to say that Jorge Messi had been “under medical monitoring, recovering and evolving favourably within the condition he presents”.