MIAMI (AP) — Lionel Messi took to social media on Wednesday to honor his late father, Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68. In a heartfelt tribute, the soccer superstar opened up about the emotional toll of leading Argentina to the World Cup final and the uncertainty he now faces regarding his future in the sport.
In a post shared on his Instagram, Messi expressed profound sorrow, stating, “I don’t know what I’m going to do without you. I don’t know how to keep going. All I ever did was play soccer, and now I have serious doubts about whether I’ll keep doing it for much longer.” This candid reflection highlights the deep bond between Messi and his father, who played an instrumental role in shaping his career.
Jorge Messi was not only a father but also Lionel's agent and manager, guiding his son through the complexities of professional soccer. His passing has left a significant void in Messi's life, especially following a challenging World Cup campaign where the emotional weight was palpable. Messi led Argentina to a runner-up finish in the tournament, where he scored three goals, including a pivotal one in the opening match against Algeria. After that goal, Messi revealed that he was overcome with emotion for reasons beyond the game itself.
Reflecting on his father's wishes, Messi recalled, “You asked me to play in this last World Cup so many times and just before it started was when you took a turn for the worse. It was the first time you weren’t going to be at the tournament.” He shared how his mother reassured him that Jorge would recover in time to witness his performance, adding, “I kept telling you that we were going to make it to the final so you could travel.”
Despite his efforts, Messi expressed his disappointment in not being able to secure a victory for his father, stating, “I wanted to win it for you. I couldn’t. My legs had nothing left. This time I tried to push beyond what my body could handle, but I couldn’t. I never managed to feel right.” This admission underscores the physical and emotional challenges he faced during the tournament.
In the wake of his father’s death, Messi returned to Argentina, missing a recent match with his Major League Soccer club, Inter Miami, against Monterrey in the Leagues Cup. As the team prepares to conclude the group phase of the tournament against León, coach Guillermo Hoyos has indicated that there is currently no set timeline for Messi's return to the field.
Messages of support have flooded in for the Messi family during this difficult time, reflecting the widespread admiration for the soccer icon and the profound impact of his father's legacy on his life and career. As Messi navigates this challenging period, the future of his soccer career remains uncertain, leaving fans and the soccer community alike hoping for his eventual return.
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