The soccer star expresses doubts about his career following the passing of Jorge Messi
Category: Sports
Lionel Messi, the legendary Argentine footballer, recently sparked global speculation about his future in the sport with a poignant message on social media. "I'm really not sure if I'll carry on doing it for much longer," he wrote, just days after the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 in Argentina on August 8, 2026. This heartfelt tribute has left fans and analysts pondering whether the end of Messi's illustrious career is near.
Messi, who turned 39 during the 2026 World Cup, had an outstanding tournament, scoring eight goals in eight games and leading Argentina to the final. His performance continued to solidify his reputation as one of the greatest footballers of all time. In a column for Kicker, former Germany captain Philipp Lahm lauded Messi, stating, "He is the greatest footballer I've ever witnessed. You can still see that even though he's 39 years old." Lahm, who faced Messi multiple times, emphasized that the forward was "the best player I've ever played against by far."
Born in Rosario, Argentina, Messi joined FC Barcelona at the age of 13, where he spent 17 seasons and won 10 La Liga titles and four Champions League trophies. His move to Inter Miami in 2023 marked a new chapter in his career, where he currently holds a contract until December 2028. Over his career, Messi has won the prestigious Ballon d'Or a record eight times, a feat that speaks volumes about his impact on the sport.
Following the death of his father, Messi returned to Inter Miami on August 12, 2026, just days after attending a private memorial service in Argentina. Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos remarked that Messi "looks good" and is "at peace" after the loss. Midfielder Casemiro praised Messi's dedication to the team during this challenging time, stating, "He sets a great example. He is surely going through a very difficult time, but the commitment he has shown, not just to the players but to the club, has been incredible."
In his emotional tribute to his father, Messi expressed deep sorrow, stating, "I still can’t believe Jorge is gone. It’s so hard to think that I won’t see you anymore, that we won’t talk again. I know you were suffering and that this is for the best, but you left too soon; there was still so much left for us to enjoy together." He added, "You were by my side from the very beginning, and we were so close to the end. Why couldn’t you hold on just a little longer so we could finish this together?" These words resonate with his personal loss and hint at his uncertainty about continuing his storied career.
Messi's transition to Inter Miami has been marked by a notable adaptation in his playing style. He has embraced a more energy-efficient approach, a strategy he described as necessary due to his age and the new league dynamics. "I started reinventing myself and adapting to the league, which for me was new," Messi told the 433 app in 2024. This change reflects a broader trend in professional sports, where athletes evolve their game to prolong their careers.
As Messi navigates this personal and professional crossroads, the football world watches closely. The 2026 World Cup, which could potentially be his last, hangs on the horizon. Many had anticipated a generational shift in football, expecting younger stars like Kylian Mbappé and Erling Haaland to take center stage. Yet, Messi and his longtime rival Cristiano Ronaldo continue to dominate the global fanbase, illustrating a unique phenomenon where fans increasingly follow individual players rather than teams.
Sports branding expert Nataliya Bredikhina noted the evolution of athlete recognition in the age of social media, stating, "The athlete is more than just a competitor or the labor on the field, but I feel like it wasn't until really the emergence of social media and technologies that the boundaries of what the athlete is really transcended." This cultural shift has allowed Messi and Ronaldo to maintain their status as top global athletes, even as they age and face physical decline.
Messi's potential to extend his playing career into his 40s, akin to Ronaldo's path, remains a possibility. He has expressed that he will know when the time is right to retire, saying, "I know that the moment I feel that I am no longer able to perform, that I no longer enjoy or help my teammates, I will quit." This statement reflects his commitment to the sport and awareness of his capabilities.
As Messi continues to recover from his father's death and adapt to life in the US, his influence both on and off the pitch remains undeniable. His presence in Major League Soccer has not only elevated the league's profile but has also inspired a new generation of players and fans. With each game, Messi's legacy grows, and his decisions in the coming months will shape the future of football as well as his own life.
For now, Messi's immediate focus will be on his performance with Inter Miami and the upcoming World Cup. As the football community rallies behind him, the world awaits to see how this chapter of his life will play out, both personally and professionally.