Messi unsure he will play 'much longer' after father's death

What the report says

Lionel Messi has said he is unsure how much longer he will keep playing football after posting a personal tribute following the death of his father, Jorge Messi. The BBC Sport report says Jorge, who was 68, died last week after a long illness. He had long acted as Messi’s agent and was present throughout the Argentina forward’s rise from youth player to one of the sport’s most decorated figures.

In his social media message, Messi, 39, expressed grief and uncertainty about continuing his career. The article quotes him saying he does not know how to carry on and that he is no longer sure he will keep playing for much longer. According to the report, the tribute was written in the aftermath of his father’s death, which Messi has said left him struggling emotionally.

BBC Sport says Messi returned home with his family after Jorge died in hospital in Rosario, Argentina, and that a private funeral was held in Perez, on the outskirts of the city. The piece also notes his recent international and club context: he captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title and later led them to the 2026 World Cup final, before returning to Inter Miami. The development matters because Messi remains one of football’s most prominent active players, and his comments raise questions about how his personal loss could affect the final stage of his career.