Argentina's Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, has expressed uncertainty about his future in the sport following the recent death of his father, Jorge Messi. The 39-year-old forward, who played a crucial role in Argentina's journey to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final, hinted at the possibility of retirement in a heartfelt message shared on social media.

Messi's Emotional Reflection

After Argentina's defeat to Spain in the World Cup final held in New Jersey this past July, Messi returned to the United States to continue his career with Major League Soccer's Inter Miami. However, he was compelled to pause his return to the pitch after the passing of his father at the age of 68. In a poignant Instagram post, Messi revealed his doubts about continuing his football career, stating, "All I ever did was play football, and now I have serious doubts about whether I’ll keep doing it for much longer."

He further shared his deep sense of loss, saying, "I don’t know what I’m going to do without you. I don’t know how to carry on." Messi reflected on the close bond he shared with his father, who not only supported him throughout his career but also served as his agent. He expressed regret that his father could not witness the final moments of his career, saying, "You were by my side from the very beginning; there was so little left until the end."

Contract and Future Considerations

Despite being under contract with Inter Miami until the end of the 2028 season, Messi's future in football appears uncertain following Argentina's inability to defend their World Cup title, which they won in Qatar in 2022. In his emotional message, Messi recalled the final months of his father's life, emphasizing the significance of their shared experiences during the World Cup. "I kept telling you we would reach the final so you could make the trip," he wrote, lamenting that his father was not there to witness the culmination of their journey.

Messi concluded his reflections by acknowledging the profound impact his father had on his life, stating, "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." As Messi navigates this challenging time, fans and the football community alike are left wondering what the future holds for the legendary player.