The footballer emphasized that his father's death was a heavy loss for him and wrote that he wanted to end his football career together with him.
Jorge Messi died on August 7 in the city of Rosario, Argentina, at the age of 68. For many years he was his son's representative and adviser, and played an important role in Lionel Messi's football career.
In the letter, Messi recalled that his father had asked him many times about participating in the 2026 World Cup. A few days before the start of the tournament, Jorge's condition worsened. Messi hoped that if the Argentina national team reached the final, his father would be able to travel to watch him play.
“After every match, I waited for news from you and missed you. I realized then that the situation was very serious. Nevertheless, I thought about going as far as possible and giving you the chance to see at least one of my matches,” Messi wrote.
Argentina reached the final, but Jorge Messi was unable to attend his match. Lionel Messi said he wanted to win the final and bring the World Cup trophy to his father, but his physical condition did not allow it.
“We reached the final, but you could not be there. I wanted to win the final to bring you the trophy. But I could not. My legs no longer obeyed me,” the footballer wrote.
Messi also expressed regret that he had not been able to fully talk with his father about the World Cup.
“We did not become champions, but you cannot imagine how much we enjoyed every match. As always, you were right — I should have been there and played,” Messi said.
In the most touching part of the letter, the footballer admitted that he does not know how to continue his life and football career without his father.
“I don't know what to do without you, how to continue my life. I was just playing football, and now I seriously doubt that I can continue doing so much longer. You were by my side from the very beginning, and there was little left until the end. Why couldn't you be patient a little longer so we could finish together?” wrote the 39-year-old footballer.
At the same time, Messi said that he will continue his father's memory by instilling in his own children the upbringing and values his father gave him.
Jorge Messi was by Lionel's side on his football path from childhood. He managed his son's career and represented him throughout his professional football career.
