Messi bids emotional farewell to his father in a heartfelt letter
Lionel Messi has published an emotional farewell letter to his father Jorge, who passed away at the age of 68. Long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo also offered his support.
Lionel Messi has published an emotional farewell letter to his father Jorge, who passed away at the age of 68. Long-time rival Cristiano Ronaldo also offered his support.
Argentine footballer Lionel Messi has bid farewell to his father, Jorge Messi, in a heartbreaking letter posted on Instagram on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. Jorge Messi passed away last Saturday at the age of 68 after a serious illness, and was buried the following day at the El Prado cemetery in Perez, a town near Rosario, in a private ceremony attended only by close family members.
Messi and his wife Antonela traveled from Miami to attend the final farewell, which, at the family's request, was a small and private ceremony with strict security measures. Outside the cemetery, numerous fans gathered, leaving flowers and messages of support.
In his first public statement since his father's death, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner did not hide his pain. "Dad, I still can't believe you're gone. I can't accept it, or rather, I don't want to accept it. It's so hard for me to imagine not seeing you again, not talking to you anymore. I know you were suffering and that this is for the best, but you left too soon. We still had so much left to enjoy together," Messi wrote.
A particularly emotional part of the letter refers to the last World Cup. Messi revealed that it was his father who urged him to play, even though his health had deteriorated significantly a few days before the tournament began. "It was the first time you wouldn't be at a major tournament, but Mom told me you'd get better and recover enough to travel. I told you we'd reach the final so you could come," the Argentine footballer admitted.
Messi went on to describe how much he missed his father's presence during the tournament. "After every match, I waited for your message and missed it. That's when I realized how serious the situation really was. I couldn't stop thinking that we had to go as far as possible, to give you more time and a chance to watch one of the games," he wrote.
In the letter, Messi also openly spoke about his doubts regarding the continuation of his career. "I've played football my whole life, and now I have a lot of doubts about whether I'll keep playing for much longer," he wrote. He also reflected on the fact that he failed to win the World Cup final and bring the trophy to his father. "I didn't make it; my legs just couldn't go on. This time, I tried to push against my own body, but I couldn't."
In addition, Messi expressed a deep personal emptiness and uncertainty. "I don't know what I'll do without you, and I don't know how I'll move forward," he wrote. He also posed a question that struck a chord with many: "Why couldn't you hold on a little longer, so we could finish the journey together?"
Jorge Messi was a key figure in the life of the football superstar. When Lionel, at the age of 13, got the chance to go on trial at Barcelona, Jorge went with him to Spain and stayed by his side during a period of great uncertainty. Later, he became his long-time agent and was involved in all major business decisions throughout his career at Barcelona, PSG, and Inter Miami. Young Leo took his first football steps at the Grandoli club, where his father coached him as his first trainer. The father and son shared an exceptionally close bond through all stages of his career, from the early days at Newell's Old Boys to the pinnacle of world football.
Messi's painful post also drew a reaction from his long-time rival, Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo. "A big hug to you and your loved ones in this difficult time, Leo. Stay strong," Ronaldo said, with his statement reported by journalist Fabrizio Romano. The rivalry on the pitch, it turns out, does not erase the human side off it.
Messi concluded the letter with words of gratitude and love, promising to pass on his father's values to his children. "I will miss you so much, but you will always be present, especially in the upbringing of my children, because I teach and raise them the way you two raised me. Rest in peace and watch over us from above as you did here. Thank you for everything. I love you, Dad."
