Buenos aires: Argentina captain Lionel Messi expressed his uncertainty about continuing his football career following the death of his father and longtime representative, Jorge Messi. 'I don't know what I'm going to do without you, I don't know how to go on. I only played football and now I have quite a few doubts about whether I'll keep doing it for much longer,' Messi shared on Instagram.

According to Anadolu Agency, the 39-year-old Inter Miami forward is grappling with the immense loss. Jorge Messi, who played a pivotal role in his son's career, passed away at the age of 68 in Rosario, Argentina, after a prolonged illness. He was instrumental in guiding Messi to Barcelona as a teenager and managed his contracts and business affairs throughout his career.

Jorge Messi's health prevented him from attending the 2026 FIFA World Cup, a disappointment for both father and son. 'You always asked me to play in the last World Cup, and a few days before it started was when you got worse,' Messi lamented. Despite Argentina reaching the World Cup final, they were defeated 1-0 by Spain after extra time.

Messi revealed his emotional struggle during the tournament, expressing a desire to win for his father but acknowledging physical limitations. 'We reached the final and 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 wouldn't give any more,' he admitted.

Following his father's death, Messi returned to Argentina to attend a private funeral at El Prado cemetery near Rosario.