Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi said in an Aug. 12 Instagram tribute that he was unsure how much longer he would play following the death of his father and longtime agent, Jorge Messi.
“I’m really not sure if I’ll carry on doing it for much longer,” Messi wrote. He also described his father as a friend and mentor who had supported him throughout his career.
Jorge Messi died at 68 on Aug. 8 after a long illness in Rosario, Argentina, according to a family statement. He had represented his son since the player’s teenage years.
The tribute followed Argentina’s run to the FIFA World Cup 2026 final. Spain won 1-0 after extra time at New York New Jersey Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, FIFA said.
Read: Jorge Messi Dies at 68 After Long Illness in Rosario
Inter Miami reported that Messi played all eight of Argentina’s tournament matches. The captain recorded eight goals and four assists as the defending champions finished second.
Messi has not announced his retirement. Inter Miami said in October 2025 that his contract runs through the 2028 Major League Soccer season.
