Lionel Messi Casts Doubt on Football Future in Farewell Letter to Late Father

Lionel Messi has cast doubt on his future in football, revealing his uncertainty in a heartfelt farewell letter to his late father, Jorge. The Inter Miami star shared his struggles and emotions following his father's passing, expressing deep personal loss.

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I only played football and now I have quite a few doubts that I will continue to do so for much longer.

Messi wrote that he was unsure if he would continue playing for much longer, a sentiment that emerged after a difficult period marked by his father's declining health and eventual death. He described the profound impact of his father's absence, noting the void left in his life and the conversations they could no longer share.

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Dad, I still can't believe you're gone. I can't grasp it, or rather, I don't want to grasp it. It's very difficult for me to imagine not seeing you anymore, not talking anymore.

Reflecting on the recent World Cup, Messi recounted his father's strong desire for him to participate and his own regret at not being able to secure a victory for him. He detailed his physical and emotional struggles during the tournament, driven by the hope of winning it for his father. The letter also touched upon their daily conversations and the shared experience of watching matches, highlighting the deep bond they shared.

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You asked me so much to play the last World Cup and days before starting was when you got worse. It was the first time you weren't going to be in a tournament, but Mom told me you were going to be better and that you were going to be fine to travel.

Messi's father, Jorge, passed away at the age of 68 in Rosario after a period of ill health. His death occurred shortly before the World Cup, adding a layer of profound sadness to Messi's participation in the tournament. The football icon returned to his hometown for the funeral, grappling with the immense grief of losing his father and representative.

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Every time I finished a match, I waited for and missed your message. That's when I realized the situation was really bad.