Lionel Messi hints at retirement in letter to late father

Lionel Messi has cast doubt on his future in professional football. In an open letter released on Instagram, the 39-year-old Inter Miami forward expressed uncertainty regarding how much longer he will continue playing.

The announcement follows the death of his father and long-time agent, Jorge Messi. The 68-year-old passed away on Friday, August 7, 2026, at a clinic in Rosario, Argentina, after a long illness. In his tribute, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner wrote that he does not know how to go on without his father and questioned his desire to keep playing.

Messi's father was hospitalised just before the 2026 FIFA World Cup began. The player revealed that his primary motivation during the tournament was to win the trophy for his father. This emotional struggle was visible during Argentina's 3-0 group-stage win against Algeria, where Messi cried after scoring a hat-trick.

Argentina ultimately lost the 2026 World Cup final 1-0 to Spain on July 19, 2026. This result meant the nation failed to defend the title they won in Qatar in 2022. Following the tournament, Messi returned to Inter Miami, where his current contract runs until the end of the 2028 season.

Messi played for his club just one day before his father died, scoring two goals in a 4-2 Leagues Cup win against Atlético de San Luis on August 6, 2026. He travelled to Rosario for the funeral immediately after his father's passing. Inter Miami has placed the captain on indefinite bereavement leave to allow him time away from the sport.