Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi has expressed deep gratitude to his father, Jorge Messi, for his pivotal role in shaping his career. He also shared the emotional challenges he faced while leading Argentina in this summer’s World Cup amidst his father’s declining health.
Jorge Messi passed away last weekend at the age of 68, following treatment for an unspecified illness at a hospital in Rosario, Argentina.
On Wednesday, Messi wrote on social media, “Dad, I still can’t believe you’re gone.”
“It’s hard to accept that I won’t see you again or hear your voice. I know you were in pain, and this is for the best, but you left us too soon. We had so much more to share and enjoy together.”
“You were not only my father but also my friend and my agent. You were always there, never wrong, and everything turned out as you predicted.”
“I will miss you dearly, but your spirit will always be with me, especially in how I raise my children. I will educate them just as you did with me.”
Jorge Messi moved to Barcelona when Lionel was just 13 to nurture his son’s soccer career and remained a constant presence as Lionel became the world’s best player, winning the Ballon d’Or eight times, numerous titles with Barça, and the World Cup with Argentina.
However, Jorge’s health issues worsened earlier this year, preventing him from attending the World Cup held this summer in North America.
Despite this, Lionel Messi led Argentina to the final, holding onto hope that his father could make it to the next match.
“You always wanted me to play in this World Cup, and just before it began, you were at your lowest,” he added in his post.
“It was the first tournament you missed, but Mom assured me you would improve and travel. I told you we would reach the final so you could be there.”
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“After each match, I waited for your messages, which made me realize how serious the situation was. I continued to strive for victory, hoping you’d be able to witness at least one game if we reached the final.”
“Yet you weren’t there. I wanted to win it to bring the trophy home and show it to you. I gave all I had, but it wasn’t enough.”
“You thought we lost the final on penalties. We couldn’t even discuss it. I couldn’t enjoy the moment.”
“We may not have been champions this time, but you don’t know how much we cherished each game. You were right once more: I had to be there and play in the World Cup.”
“I say this because it’s the one thing we never discussed, as you knew everything else. We spoke daily and saw each other whenever I had the chance.”
“What will I do without you? I have always just played football, and now I’m filled with uncertainty about my future.”
“You were there from the beginning, and we were so close to the finish line. Why couldn’t you hold on a bit longer so we could complete this journey together?”
Along with his wife Celia Cuccittini, Jorge Messi is survived by his four children: Lionel, his two older brothers Rodrigo and Matías, and his younger sister María Sol.
Messages of support have poured in from the football community for the Messi family, with Inter Miami defender Facundo Mura highlighting the team’s collective grief over the loss of their teammate’s father.
Cristiano Ronaldo also shared his condolences, stating: “Sending you and your family a big hug during these tough times, Leo. Stay strong.”
Inter Miami manager Guillermo Hoyos remarked that currently, there is no timeline for Lionel Messi’s return to play following Jorge’s passing.