Argentina captain Lionel Messi has hinted that he could retire from professional football following the death of his father, Jorge Messi.

The 39-year-old Inter Miami forward revealed his uncertainty about continuing his career in an emotional message shared on social media on Wednesday.

Messi, who recently returned to the United States after attending his father’s funeral, said his father’s death had left him questioning what comes next.

“All I ever did was play football, and now I have serious doubts about whether I’ll keep doing it for much longer,” Messi said.

Jorge Messi, 68, was his son’s longtime agent and played a major role in his football career from the beginning.

Messi also reflected on his father’s wish to see him play at another World Cup. He said he had promised his father that Argentina would reach the final, but Jorge was unable to attend.

Argentina eventually lost the 2026 FIFA World Cup final to Spain 1-0, with Messi acknowledging that he struggled physically during the tournament.

“I wanted to win it to bring it to you and show you a new one. I couldn’t, my legs just gave out,” Messi said.

The football star described his father as a father, friend and agent who was always there for him throughout his career.

Messi’s decision on retirement remains uncertain, despite having a contract with Inter Miami until the end of the 2028 season.

His father’s absence had been noticeable during the World Cup, with Messi’s family previously asking the media to respect their privacy amid concerns about Jorge’s health.

Messi said he would preserve his father’s legacy by passing on to his children the values he learned from him.

“I’m going to miss you so much, but you will always be present, especially in the upbringing of my children,” he said.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has yet to announce a formal retirement decision.