
(Lionel Messi And His Dad. Photo by Nation News)
Argentine superstar Lionel Messi paid a heartfelt tribute to his father, Jorge Messi, a few days after his death, stating that the tragedy has caused him to question if he would continue to play football for very long.
In addition to being his father, Jorge was also his longstanding representative and a significant figure in his career. The Inter Miami captain used social media to express his grief.
Messi wrote, "Dad, I still can't believe you're gone," characterizing his father's passing as untimely even tho he was aware of his suffering.
During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Messi stated that one of his greatest dreams was for Argentina to make it to the final so Jorge could recuperate and fly to see him play.
He remarked, "I kept telling you that we were going to make it to the final so you could travel."
Jorge was unable to attend Argentina's eventual trip to the final. Messi stated that he had hoped to win the competition in order to honor his father with the accomplishment.
We made it to the final, but you were unable to attend. I wanted to win it so I could show you another one, but I was unable to do so. I simply couldn't get any more from my legs.
I attempted to go past my body's limits this time, but I was unsuccessful. He wrote, "I never felt physically right."
Additionally, the 39-year-old highlighted how his father helped him throughout his early years by bringing him to training sessions after work and rarely missing his matches.
"I repeatedly assured you that we would make it to the final so you could go," he remarked.
Later on, Jorge got deeply involved in Messi's professional career, managing his affairs and representing him in talks as he developed into one of the best players in football.
Messi remarked, "You were my representative, my friend, and my father."
Messi, however, stated that he will remember Jorge mainly as his father, recalling the counsel, arguments, and teachings that molded him as a person and as a football player.
"I'm not sure how I'll manage without you. I'm not sure how to continue," he wrote.
The Argentina player also acknowledged that he was unsure about his football career when his father passed away.
Messi remarked, "I only played soccer, and now I have a lot of doubts about whether I'll keep doing it for much longer."
Messi stated that Jorge's impact would endure throughout his family, especially in the manner he raises his kids, despite the anguish of his passing.
"Even tho I will miss you terribly, you will always be a part of my life, especially in the way I teach and raise my kids just as you raised me.
As you did here, rest in peace and keep an eye on us from above. I'm grateful for everything.