Messi says he has ‘serious doubts’ about playing on after father Jorge’s death

Lionel Messi said on Wednesday (August 12, 2026) in Buenos Aires that he has "serious doubts" about continuing to play football for "much longer" following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who died last week aged 68. The 39-year-old wrote the message on social media as he reflected on his father’s role in his life and career.

Messi, described in the article as Argentina’s superstar and the inspiration behind the country’s 2022 World Cup victory, is under contract with Major League Soccer outfit Inter Miami until the end of the 2028 season. Jorge Messi also served as his son’s agent, a relationship Messi referenced in his public message. The funeral was held on Sunday (August 9, 2026) in the town of Perez, adjacent to Rosario.

In the social-media post Messi wrote: "I don't know what I'll do without you, I don't know how to go on. I just played football, and now I have serious doubts about continuing to do so for much longer." The message followed his father’s death and was his first extended comment since the end of the 2026 World Cup.

Messi recounted the final months of his father's life, saying: "I kept telling you we would reach the final so you could make the trip. We made it to the final, but you couldn't be there. I wanted to win it to bring it to you and show you a new one. I couldn't; my legs just gave out." Those remarks came after Argentina's 1–0 loss to Spain in the final in New Jersey.

Speaking after the final, Messi added: "This time I tried to push past my physical limits, but I couldn't. I never felt right." The article reports these comments as his first since the New Jersey defeat.

The piece notes that Jorge Messi’s absence from the World Cup in June had drawn attention; Messi’s family asked the media for "humanity" during the tournament amid persistent rumours over Jorge’s health. The article also records that Messi broke down in tears after scoring against Algeria in a group match and acknowledged dealing with "a situation outside of sports."

On Sunday (August 9, 2026) the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner held a private farewell with close family and a few Argentina teammates in Perez. The cause of death was not disclosed in the article, though local media reported that Jorge Messi had been suffering from cancer.

Messi returned to the United States on Tuesday (August 11, 2026) night following his father's funeral on Sunday (August 9, 2026).