Lionel Messi has admitted doubts over his playing career following the death of his father, Jorge, at age 68. In an emotional Instagram tribute, the Argentina forward wrote, "I don't know how to carry on."

Jorge Messi, also his son's long-time agent, died on Saturday after a long illness. Messi missed Inter Miami's Leagues Cup defeat to Monterrey to travel to Argentina for the funeral. He recalled how his father guided him from childhood in Rosario to becoming one of football's greatest players.

Messi revealed his father urged him to play at the 2026 World Cup despite worsening health. Messi played and scored eight goals, but Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the final. "My legs couldn't give any more," he wrote, adding that doubts remain over continuing his career.

"I only played football and now I have quite a few doubts that I will keep doing it for much longer," Messi said. The Lionel Messi tribute highlighted Jorge's roles as father, friend, and agent, and the profound loss he now faces.