Lionel Messi doubts future after father's death
Lionel Messi has expressed uncertainty about his football future following the death of his father.
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Lionel Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, has cast doubt over his future in the sport following the death of his father, Jorge, who passed away last week after a long illness. The 39-year-old, currently playing in America's Major League Soccer, made the comments in a tribute to his father, expressing uncertainty about whether he will continue playing.
Messi's father was his first football coach and later his agent. He attended the funeral in Rosario over the weekend, where tributes were held across Argentina. Messi, who has more than 200 appearances and over 120 goals for Argentina, led the national team to World Cup glory in 2022. He is now in the twilight years of his career, but the prospect of a home World Cup in four years time had been a possible goal. However, the events of the past week could bring about an early end to a remarkable career.
In his tribute, Messi said: "I don't know how to go on. I used to just play football and now I'm really not sure if I'll keep doing it for much longer." These words have sparked speculation about his retirement, though no official decision has been announced. The football world now waits to see whether the Argentine captain will return to the pitch or call time on a career that has spanned more than two decades at the top.
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The report focuses on the emotional weight of Messi's comments, framing them as a touching tribute to his father while highlighting the potential end of an extraordinary career. It balances the personal loss with the sporting context, noting his age, his MLS role, and the possibility of a home World Cup, but the overall tone is sombre and reflective.
- “I don't know how to go on.”
- “I used to just play football and now I'm really not sure if I'll keep doing it for much longer.”
- “But the events of the past week could now bring about the end of a remarkable career.”
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