Lionel Messi expressed deep sadness after his father, Jorge Messi, passed away last Saturday. In a message shared on Wednesday, Messi said he was unable to come to terms with his father's passing.
Jorge played an important role in Messi's life and career since childhood. Messi wrote that it was very difficult to imagine not meeting or speaking with his father again, although he understood that his father had been suffering.
Messi recounted how his father continued to encourage him to play in the 2026 World Cup before his condition deteriorated. According to Messi's message, his father would be unable to attend the tournament for the first time, even though Messi had repeatedly promised that they would reach the final so his father could be there. Messi also apologised to his late father for failing to defend the title.
Messi expressed uncertainty about his career's future without his father. In his message, the player who once played for Barcelona said his father had been the main pillar of his career at the professional level.
Messi's message received positive responses from several of his peers, including from Cristiano Ronaldo, a rival he is often compared with.
