Is Lionel Messi's career coming to a close

Lionel Messi has shared an emotional tribute following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, while also expressing uncertainty about how much longer he wants to continue his legendary football career.

In a deeply personal message shared on Instagram, Messi reflected on the enormous role his father played throughout his life. He described the difficulty of imagining life without the man who had supported him from the earliest stages of his journey and helped guide his development from a young footballer into one of the sport’s most celebrated players.

Messi said losing his father so close to what could be the final chapter of his playing career has been particularly painful. He had hoped they would be able to complete the journey together. He also reflected on how much happiness his father found in seeing his family succeed and acknowledged the quiet pride Jorge took in watching him compete.

The Argentine star said his father’s influence will continue through the next generation of the family. Messi explained that many of the principles he uses in raising his own children come directly from the example his father provided. He concluded his tribute by expressing his love and gratitude and saying he hopes his father will continue watching over the family.

Jorge Messi died last week at the age of 68. Beyond being Lionel Messi’s father, he played an important professional role in his son’s career, serving for years as his representative and helping manage the business affairs surrounding a football journey that ultimately produced eight Ballon d’Or awards and numerous major trophies.

The loss comes during an emotionally difficult period for Messi. At 39, the Argentine captain recently experienced another major disappointment on the field after Argentina suffered a heartbreaking extra-time defeat against Spain in the 2026 World Cup final. Spain, led by a new generation that includes Lamine Yamal, prevented Argentina from successfully completing another championship run following its historic triumph at the 2022 World Cup.

Despite the final defeat, Messi delivered another impressive World Cup performance. He finished the 2026 tournament with eight goals and four assists in eight appearances, continuing his remarkable record on football’s biggest international stage.

The tournament also placed Messi in another exclusive category of football history. He became one of only two players to have appeared at six FIFA World Cups, sharing that distinction with Portuguese star Cristiano Ronaldo.

Messi’s comments following his father’s death, however, have raised new questions about how much longer he intends to remain in professional football. Having devoted most of his life to the sport, the Argentine legend acknowledged that the personal loss has caused him to reconsider his future and whether he still has the desire to continue playing for much longer.

At club level, Messi remains with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. The 2026 campaign represents his third full season with the Florida club and his fourth season overall since arriving in the United States. Through 15 MLS appearances this season, he has recorded 12 goals and seven assists.

For Messi, the immediate future may now involve more than decisions about goals, trophies and matches. After decades of experiencing football with his father closely involved in both his personal and professional life, he faces the difficult process of determining what comes next without one of the most influential figures behind his extraordinary career.