---
title: "Lionel Messi Hints at Retirement After Father's Death"
url: https://projectchintan.com/article/messi-hints-retirement-father-death-football-future-0ocho
publisher: Project Chintan
author: Project Chintan Newsroom
section: Sports
published: 2026-08-12T19:45:47.227Z
modified: 2026-08-12T22:30:06.495Z
language: en-IN
---

# Lionel Messi Hints at Retirement After Father's Death

Lionel Messi expressed profound grief and uncertainty about his future in football following his father's passing. He revealed his father's wish for him to play in the 2026 World Cup.

## Key takeaways

- Lionel Messi has indicated he is questioning his future in football following the death of his father.
- His father, Jorge Messi, passed away at the age of 68.
- Messi revealed his father had urged him to play in the 2026 World Cup.
- The footballer stated his recent World Cup participation was partly motivated by a desire to give his father more time to watch him play.

## What Happened

Football superstar Lionel Messi has hinted at a potential early end to his career in the wake of his father's death. In an emotional Instagram post, Messi shared his grief and expressed doubt about continuing to play football.

His father, Jorge Messi, died at the age of 68 in their hometown of Rosario. Messi wrote about his difficulty in accepting the loss and his belief that his father passed away too soon.

## Background

Jorge Messi had reportedly urged his son to participate in the 2026 World Cup, scheduled to take place in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Messi indicated that his father's condition worsened just before the recent World Cup, and it was the first tournament he missed.

Messi stated that his motivation during the recent World Cup was to advance as far as possible to allow his father more time, hoping he could witness at least one match. Despite not feeling fully fit, Messi played in the final, which Argentina lost 1-0 after extra time to Spain. He mentioned his father's advice to participate and enjoy every moment.

## Key Facts

- Lionel Messi's father, Jorge Messi, passed away at age 68.

- Jorge Messi died in his hometown of Rosario.

- Lionel Messi posted on Instagram expressing his grief and doubts about his future in football.

- Messi's father had encouraged him to play in the 2026 World Cup.

- Messi aimed to progress in the recent World Cup to give his father more time to watch him play.

- Argentina lost the recent World Cup final 1-0 after extra time to Spain.

- Lionel Messi has a contract with Inter Miami until the end of 2028.

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Canonical: https://projectchintan.com/article/messi-hints-retirement-father-death-football-future-0ocho
Reported from: Multiple Sources