‘I don’t know how to move forward’: Messi says after father’s death

Sports Desk

Lionel Messi has expressed deep uncertainty about continuing his football career following the death of his father Jorge Messi last week. His father died at the age of 68 in a clinic in the Argentine city of Rosario after a long illness.

Paying tribute to his father on social media Instagram, Messi wrote, “I don’t know how I’ll cope without you. I don’t know how to move forward. I’ve only played football, and now I have a lot of doubts about whether I can continue doing it for a few more days.”

He added, “You’ve been by my side since the very beginning; I’m so close to the end. Why don’t you just hold on a little longer so we can finish it all together?”

Career shadow companion

Jorge has been Messi’s shadow throughout his career, from his early days at Barcelona. He has not only been his biggest emotional support, but has also served as Messi’s long-term agent.

The 39-year-old Argentine captain said his father’s wishes were one of the main reasons he played in the recent World Cup, where Argentina finished runners-up after extra time against Spain in the tournament final.

Messi wrote, “You always asked me to participate in the last World Cup. Your physical condition deteriorated just a few days before the World Cup started.”

“This is the first time you haven’t been with me at a tournament… I used to wait for your message after every match. That’s when I realized how real and difficult the situation was.”

Physical and mental struggle

The Argentine star broke down in tears while celebrating his first goal after scoring a hat-trick in the opening match against Algeria at the World Cup. He later explained that the emotion was “due to things outside of football” after “some difficult and complicated days”.

Messi said he wanted to win the final for his father, but he didn’t have the physical strength left to take home the World Cup trophy for a second time.

“My legs were no longer working. This time I tried to push myself beyond my physical limits, but I couldn’t. I never felt good… We didn’t win the championship, but you know how much we enjoyed every match. Once again you were right: I should have been there and played,” Messi added.

Despite being devastated, the Inter Miami forward has vowed to keep his father’s memory alive by raising his children.

“You will be missed, but you will always be with us—especially in raising my children. Because I will teach and raise them the same way you raised me,” Messi said.