# Messi Doubts Future After Father’s Death, Ronaldo Offers Support

2026-08-12T16:20:56+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 7 independent outlets

Lionel Messi has said he has 'serious doubts' about continuing to play football after the death of his father, Jorge Messi, on 8 August. Jorge, 68, died after a long illness in Rosario. In an emotional Instagram post on 12 August, Messi wrote that he could not imagine life without his father, who was also his agent and lifelong supporter. He revealed that Jorge had urged him to play in the 2026 World Cup, but that his father's condition worsened days before the tournament. Argentina reached the final but lost 1-0 to Spain. Messi said he wanted to win the trophy for his father but could not physically push himself. Cristiano Ronaldo commented on the post, writing: 'Huge hug to you and your loved ones in this difficult moment, Leo. Stay strong.'

## Coverage

- sports.ndtv.com <https://sports.ndtv.com/football/i-dont-know-how-to-go-on-lionel-messi-breaks-silence-after-fathers-death-shares-emotional-tribute-11900799#publisher=newsstand>
- ndtvprofit.com <https://www.ndtvprofit.com/sports/lionel-messi-unsure-how-much-longer-he-will-play-after-father-jorges-death-11901310#publisher=newsstand>
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/leo-stay-strong-cristiano-ronaldo-sends-message-to-lionel-messi-after-fathers-death/articleshow/133185409.cms>
- thehindu.com <https://www.thehindu.com/sport/football/messi-says-not-certain-to-play-much-longer-after-fathers-death/article71337195.ece>
- livemint.com <https://www.livemint.com/news/trends/lionel-messi-hints-at-retirement-after-father-s-death-writes-open-letter-now-i-have-serious-doubts-11786546799363.html>
- timesnownews.com <https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/football/cristiano-ronaldo-sends-heartfelt-message-to-lionel-messi-over-fathers-death-article-155601626>
- timesnownews.com <https://www.timesnownews.com/sports/football/wanted-to-win-world-cup-to-show-you-i-could-not-lionel-messi-shares-tearful-post-remembering-late-father-article-155601135>
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/football/top-stories/i-wanted-to-win-another-world-cup-i-coudnt-lionel-messi-pens-emotional-post-after-fathers-demise/articleshow/133184899.cms>
- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/football/cristiano-ronaldo-lends-support-to-lionel-messi-after-latters-heartbreaking-post-on-fathers-death-huge-hug-to-you-101786542114031.html>
- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/football/lionel-messi-issues-first-public-reaction-after-father-jorges-death-your-health-got-worse-before-the-fifa-world-cup-101786539071138.html>

Tags: Argentina, Cristiano Ronaldo, Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi, retirement rumours, World Cup 2026
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Cite: https://indianopinion.org/messi-unsure-about-future-after-father-jorges-death/#story-in-brief

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