Key Takeaways
- Lionel Messi is considering retiring from football after the death of his father, Jorge Messi
- Messi posted an emotional message on Instagram, expressing his doubts about continuing his playing career
- Jorge Messi served as Messi's agent and played a major role in his career
Argentina superstar Lionel Messi has hinted that he may soon retire from football following the death of his father, Jorge Messi. The 39-year-old forward, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, was part of the Argentina team that lost to Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final in July. Messi rose to global prominence after progressing through the youth ranks at Spanish giants Barcelona, where he established himself as one of the sport’s most decorated players.
Following Argentina’s World Cup defeat, Messi returned to domestic football in the United States with Major League Soccer side Inter Miami. However, his return was cut short after the death of his father at the age of 68. In a deeply emotional message posted on Wednesday, Messi suggested that he is uncertain about continuing his playing career. Messi remains under contract with Inter Miami until the end of the 2028 season, but speculation about his retirement had already increased after Argentina failed to defend the World Cup title they won in Qatar in 2022.
Background and Career
Messi’s father, Jorge, had been battling cancer and had hoped to watch him compete in another World Cup. Messi revealed that he had told his father they would reach the final so he could make the trip, but unfortunately, Jorge passed away before the tournament. The Argentina captain paid tribute to his father, who served as his agent and played a major role in his career, saying, "You were a father, a friend, and an agent. You were always exactly who you needed to be in every moment, and you never put a foot wrong."
Personal Struggles and Legacy
Messi had spoken about dealing with personal difficulties during the tournament, and after scoring against Algeria in the group stage, he broke down in tears, acknowledging that he was facing "a situation outside of sports". The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner said goodbye to his father during a private funeral ceremony on Sunday in Perez, near Rosario, attended by close family members and some of his Argentina teammates.
Why This Matters
Lionel Messi’s potential retirement from football would mark the end of an era for the sport, as he is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time. His decision will have significant implications for his fans, his team, and the sport as a whole, and his legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations of footballers.