Lionel Messi Pays Heartfelt Tribute to Father Jorge

Argentina and Inter Miami football star Lionel Messi has shared an emotional tribute to his late father, Jorge Messi, following his death at the age of 68.

In a lengthy social media post, Messi recalled his father's role in his life and career, describing him as his “dad, friend, and representative.” He said Jorge had been by his side from the beginning of his football journey and remained one of his biggest supporters.

“Dad, I still can't believe you're gone. I can't believe I won't see you anymore, that we won't talk anymore,” Messi wrote.

Jorge Messi reportedly died after a long illness. Messi and his family travelled to Argentina following his father's death, with a private funeral held in Pérez, near Rosario. Messi subsequently missed Inter Miami's Leagues Cup match against Monterrey.

‘We Still Had So Much Left to Enjoy Together’
Messi said he knew his father had been suffering but felt he had left too soon.
“I know you were suffering and that's the best thing, but you left too soon. We still had so much left to enjoy together,” he said.

The football icon also recalled how his father had repeatedly encouraged him to play in the World Cup. Messi said Jorge's health deteriorated shortly before the tournament, but he continued to hope that his father would recover enough to attend a match.

Messi said he had promised his father that Argentina would reach the final and that Jorge would be able to watch a game.

Father Who Never Missed His Games
Messi remembered how Jorge supported him from his childhood, taking him to training sessions after work and attending his matches.

“You took me to all the training sessions as soon as you got home from work,” Messi recalled.

He also described how his father would suffer while watching him play but still enjoyed every moment, even though he rarely showered his son with praise.

Jorge was not only Messi's father but also served as his agent and played a major role in managing his son's career.

“You were dad, friend, and representative,” Messi wrote, adding that despite disagreements and arguments, his father was ultimately always right in his eyes.
Messi Reveals Doubts Over His Football Future

One of the most striking parts of Messi's tribute came when he opened up about his future in football.

“I don't know what I'm going to do without you, I don't know how to go on,” Messi wrote. “I just played soccer and now I have a lot of doubts that I'll keep doing it for a long time more.”

The comments offer a deeply personal glimpse into Messi's state of mind following the loss of the man who had been beside him throughout virtually his entire football journey.

‘You Will Always Be Present’
Messi said his father's influence would continue through the way he raises his own children.

“I'll miss you a lot, but you will always be present, and especially in the education of my children, because I teach and educate them as you did with me,” he wrote.
The Argentine superstar ended his tribute with a final message of love and gratitude to his father.

“Rest in peace and take care of us from above as you did here. Thank you for everything. I love you, dad.”

Jorge Messi played a central role in Lionel Messi's life, from his earliest football days in Rosario to his son's rise to global stardom. Messi's tribute highlighted not only that professional connection but also the deep personal bond between father and son.