ROSARIO: August 15, 2026 — World football star Lionel Messi shared an emotional outpouring on Instagram yesterday following the passing of his father, who also served as his closest agent and adviser.
In the post, the Argentina captain revealed just how difficult it has been for him to come to terms with his father’s death.
Messi also recounted the tough moments during the recent World Cup, when he realised his father’s health was deteriorating.
After every match, Messi would wait for and miss messages from his father. He knew the situation was dire, yet he pushed himself to go as far as possible, “so that I could give my father more time and more chances to see me play,” he said.
Messi set his sights high, aiming to reach the final in the hope that his father would recover in time to watch him live.
However, that wish was not fulfilled after Argentina lost in the final on penalties, compounded by the fact that he was not at his physical best.
The loss has had a profound impact on the future of his career.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do without my father, I don’t know how to carry on. I only play football, and now I have many questions about whether I will continue playing for a long time,” he said.
Messi described his father as more than just a parent – he was a close friend and representative who had guided him since childhood, including driving him to every training session after work.
He pledged to continue his father’s legacy by raising his children with the same values that were instilled in him.
Messi ended his post with a poignant note.
“Rest in peace and watch over us from up there, just as you watched over us when you were here. Thank you for everything. I love you, Dad.”
