Lionel Messi hints at retirement after father’s death, writes open letter, ‘Now, I have serious doubts…’

Lionel Messi Hints at Retirement After Father’s Death

Theindiapostdaily.com – Lionel Messi hints at retirement following a deeply personal moment in his life. The Argentine football legend recently penned an emotional open letter to his late father, Jorge Messi, who passed away on August 8. Just four days later, on August 12, the global icon shared this heartfelt tribute with fans worldwide, revealing his uncertainty about his future in football.

In the letter, Messi began by expressing his disbelief over his father’s passing. He described how imagining life without Jorge feels nearly impossible. While acknowledging his father’s suffering, Messi called the death premature. “I know you were suffering and that this is for the best, but you left us too soon. We still had so much left to enjoy together,” he wrote in the touching message.

A Father’s Wish and a Son’s Promise

Messi recalled how his father had always wanted him to continue playing football. Just days before the FIFA World Cup 2026, Jorge’s health deteriorated significantly. This tournament marked the first time his father couldn’t attend a major football event. “Mum kept telling me that you were going to get better and that you’d be well enough to travel. I kept telling you that we would make it to the final so you could travel,” Messi wrote.

The football star remembered missing his father’s messages after every match he played. This realization made him understand the gravity of the situation. Despite his grief, Messi pushed himself harder, hoping to extend his career and buy more time with his father. “I couldn’t stop thinking about going as far as possible so that I could buy you time and you could watch a match. We reached the final, and you couldn’t be there. I wanted to win it for you, to bring it home and show you something new. I couldn’t,” the Argentine legend wrote.

Messi added, “My legs had nothing left. This time, I tried to push beyond what my body could give me, but I couldn’t.” When he finally returned home, his father believed they had lost on penalties. They couldn’t properly discuss what had actually happened. “We weren’t champions, but you don’t know how much we enjoyed every match. Once again, you were right: I had to be there and play it,” Lionel Messi wrote in the open letter shared on Instagram.

Reflecting on Their Bond

Messi took time to reflect on their close relationship, which had been built over many years. They spoke daily and met whenever their commitments allowed. He recalled how his father would drive him to training immediately after finishing work each day. His mother sometimes took him when his father worked late shifts.

His father never missed a single match, Messi noted. Jorge suffered and celebrated quietly, rarely offering direct praise, though. Messi promised to raise his own children the way he had been brought up, honoring the values his parents instilled in him. “I’m going to miss you so much, but you will always be present, especially in the way I raise my children, because I will teach and raise them the way you and Mum raised me,” Messi wrote.

“I don’t know what I’m going to do without you. I don’t know how to go on. I only played football. And, now, I have serious doubts about whether I’ll keep doing it for much longer,” Messi wrote in his open letter.

Messi Hints at Retirement: What Comes Next?

What Leo wrote next would surely concern his fans worldwide. Messi hinted at hanging up his boots as he seemed unsure whether to continue his illustrious career. “You were by my side from the very beginning, and there was so little left until the end. Why couldn’t you hold on just a little longer so we could finish it together?” wondered the Number 10.

The emotional letter has resonated with millions of fans and fellow footballers. Many have expressed their condolences and support for the Argentine star during this difficult time. Messi’s career has been nothing short of extraordinary, with numerous titles and individual awards to his name. However, the loss of his father has made him question his future on the pitch.

As fans await further updates, one thing is certain: Lionel Messi hints at retirement not because of physical decline alone, but because of the emotional void left by his father’s passing. The football world watches with bated breath to see what decisions the legend will make in the coming months.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Jorge Messi pass away? Jorge Messi passed away on August 8, 2024, after a period of declining health.

When did Messi share his open letter? Lionel Messi shared his emotional open letter on Instagram on August 12, 2024.

What tournament was Jorge Messi unable to attend? Jorge Messi was unable to attend the FIFA World Cup 2026, which was the first major tournament he missed.

Has Messi officially announced his retirement? No, Messi has only hinted at retirement, expressing serious doubts about continuing his football career.

Where can fans read the full open letter? The complete open letter was shared on Messi’s official Instagram account.