- Lionel Messi has admitted he is “not sure” how much longer he will continue playing football following the death of his father and agent, Jorge Messi, who passed away last week at the age of 68 after a long illness.
- In an emotional tribute shared on Instagram, the 39-year-old Argentine superstar admitted he does not know how to carry on without his father, who had managed his career since he was 14 years old.
- The tragic loss follows Argentina's extra-time defeat to Spain in the World Cup final last month, an event that was already anticipated to mark the conclusion of Messi's international career.
- Despite signing a contract extension with MLS side Inter Miami until 2028 last autumn, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner may now reconsider prolonging his club playing career.
- Messi returned home to Argentina for a private funeral in Perez, near Rosario, missing Inter Miami's defeat to Monterrey where his team-mates wore black armbands in solidarity.
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