Messi retirement talk grows after father’s death

Lionel Messi’s future has come under fresh scrutiny after comments he made following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, prompted renewed talk that the end of his playing career may be approaching.

What Messi said

In an emotional message about his father, Messi spoke about the role Jorge played throughout his life and career. He also admitted to uncertainty over whether he could carry on playing for much longer.

Those remarks have led several sports outlets to revisit the possibility of retirement, especially after Argentina’s run to the 2026 World Cup final ended in defeat to Spain.

Contract and current status

Messi is still contracted to Inter Miami until the end of the 2028 season, and he has already returned to training and matches after his father’s death.

Claudio Tapia, president of the Argentine Football Association, has said Messi should decide himself when to bring his playing career to a close.

A final call has not been made, and Messi has not announced retirement. For now, he remains active at club level, even as questions around the end of his career grow louder.