Lionel Messi took to social media to honor his late father, Jorge, whose death on Saturday left the star grappling with a mix of grief and uncertainty about his own future in professional soccer.
Jorge Messi, who was 68, had long served as his son’s agent and business manager, shaping the younger Messi’s career trajectory and financial affairs.
Argentina’s campaign in the 2026 World Cup reached its climax with a final appearance, but the tournament also exposed the physical limits that have begun to shadow Messi’s performances on the pitch.
During the opening match against Algeria, Messi’s first goal of the competition was accompanied by a visible outpouring of emotion, a moment he later explained was driven by a personal reason that transcended sport.
The Weight of a Promise
He revealed that his tears were not solely about the game, but also about the health struggles of his father, who was unable to travel to the tournament due to illness, a fact that his own mother had urged him to honor.
The forward confessed a deep regret: he could not deliver a World Cup victory for the man who had guided his early career, citing weak legs and a struggle to perform at his peak.
Messi’s recent absence from Inter Miami’s lineup reflects his ongoing indecision about whether he will ever return to competitive play, a decision that has left fans and analysts watching closely.
Inter Miami’s coach Guillermo Hoyos has acknowledged the lack of a concrete timeline for Messi’s comeback, noting that any return would depend on both physical readiness and personal resolve.