In a heartfelt open letter, Lionel Messi has expressed his profound grief following the passing of his father and agent, Jorge Messi, who died on August 8 in Rosario after a prolonged illness. The Argentina captain revealed his uncertainty about continuing his football career in the wake of this personal loss.

Messi's Emotional Farewell

Throughout his illustrious career, Messi has maintained a private life, often keeping his emotions reserved for those closest to him. However, the death of his father prompted him to share his feelings publicly. In the letter, Messi candidly admits, "I don't know what I'm going to do without you, I don't know how to carry on. I just played football and now I have serious doubts that I'll keep doing it for much longer." This admission is particularly significant given Messi's history of avoiding discussions about retirement.

A Father's Influence

Jorge Messi played a crucial role in Lionel's life, not only as a father but also as his agent from the beginning of his career. The footballer reflects on their close bond, expressing regret that his father's declining health during the last World Cup prevented him from being by his side. Messi recalls, "Dad, I still can't believe you're gone. We still had so much left to enjoy together." He also shares that his father had encouraged him to participate in the World Cup, and Messi held onto hope that Jorge would recover in time to witness him play in the final.

As Messi navigates this challenging period, his letter highlights the deep connection he shared with his father and the uncertainty that now looms over his future in football.