Messi uncertain about future in football after father's passing
4 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 12, 2026, 2:16 PM
Last updated Aug 12, 2026
Lionel Messi expressed uncertainty about his football career following the death of his father, Jorge, last week at the age of 68 after a long illness. Jorge Messi, who managed Lionel's career since he was 14, was a pivotal figure in his life. In an emotional social media tribute, Messi shared his struggles with the loss and his doubts about continuing to play. He recently captained Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final, where they lost 1-0 to Spain, before returning to Inter Miami. A private funeral was held for Jorge on Sunday in Pérez, near Rosario, Argentina.
- •Messi's father Jorge died last week after a long illness.
- •Messi expressed uncertainty about his football future in a tribute.
- •He led Argentina to the 2026 World Cup final, losing to Spain.
- •Jorge managed Messi's career since he was 14 years old.
- •A private funeral for Jorge was held on Sunday near Rosario.
- 2:54 PMYahoo Sports — Grieving Argentine icon Messi unsure about playing on 'much longer'
- 2:16 PMThe Guardian Sport — Lionel Messi has ‘quite a few doubts’ about football future after death of his father
- 2:02 PMYahoo Sports — Messi unsure he will play 'much longer' after father's death
- 1:48 PMBBC Sport — Messi unsure he will play 'much longer' after father's death
"Argentina superstar and inspiration behind his country's 2022 World Cup victory Lionel Messi said Wednesday he has "serious doubts" about continuing to play football for "much longer" after the death of his father Jorge Messi. I just played football, and now I have serious doubts about continuing to do so for much longer," Messi, 39, wrote in a message on social media.
"Messi’s father, Jorge, died last week at age of 68 Argentinian suggests he may not play on much longer Lionel Messi said on Wednesday he is having doubts about continuing his career following the death of his father last week. Messi’s father, Jorge, died last week aged 68 at a medical clinic in the Argentinian city of Rosario after a long illness. Continue reading...
"Lionel Messi has admitted he has doubts over whether he will continue his playing career following the death of his father, Jorge, saying, "I don't know how to carry on."
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 12, 2026, 2:54 PMGrieving Argentine icon Messi unsure about playing on 'much longer'
Argentina superstar and inspiration behind his country's 2022 World Cup victory Lionel Messi said Wednesday he has "serious doubts" about continuing to play football for "much longer" after the death of his father Jorge Messi. I just played football, and now I have serious doubts about continuing to do so for much longer," Messi, 39, wrote in a message on social media.
- The Guardian SportAug 12, 2026, 2:16 PMLionel Messi has ‘quite a few doubts’ about football future after death of his father
Messi’s father, Jorge, died last week at age of 68 Argentinian suggests he may not play on much longer Lionel Messi said on Wednesday he is having doubts about continuing his career following the death of his father last week. Messi’s father, Jorge, died last week aged 68 at a medical clinic in the Argentinian city of Rosario after a long illness. Continue reading...
- Yahoo SportsAug 12, 2026, 2:02 PMMessi unsure he will play 'much longer' after father's death
Lionel Messi says he is unsure how much longer he will continue playing football in an emotional tribute after his father's death.
- BBC SportAug 12, 2026, 1:48 PMMessi unsure he will play 'much longer' after father's death
Lionel Messi says he is unsure how much longer he will continue playing football in an emotional tribute after his father's death.
- Sky Sports Football—Messi hints at retirement in tribute to late father
Lionel Messi has admitted he has doubts over whether he will continue his playing career following the death of his father, Jorge, saying, "I don't know how to carry on."
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