Overview
- Lionel Messi posted a long, emotional letter on Wednesday confirming that his father Jorge died four days earlier and explaining the circumstances of his final days.
- Messi said Jorge’s health worsened around the recent World Cup, that he could not attend the final and that Messi visited him after the match and regretted not winning the trophy for him.
- In the letter Messi described Jorge as a constant presence—father, friend and agent who never missed a match—and said he will carry his father’s influence into how he raises his own children.
- Messi wrote he is consumed by grief and doubts he can continue playing football much longer, though he made no formal retirement announcement or timetable.
- The post drew widespread messages of support from fans and fellow players, including public condolences reported from peers such as Cristiano Ronaldo, and the letter has intensified public interest in Messi’s near-term sporting future.