Lionel Messi has revealed his pain at failing to deliver a second World Cup trophy for his Dad, Jorge, who passed away last week. Messis Argentina reached the final in New Jersey but were unable to hold off Spain, who won 1-0 thanks to Ferran Torres extra-time strike.Jorge, who was also Messis long-time agent, missed the tournament after his condition deteriorated after a prolonged illness. He subsequently died aged 68 in his hometown of Rosario, on Friday.Messi wrote: Dad, you kept asking me to play in one last World Cup just days before it began was when your condition got worse.It was the first time you werent going to be there with me at tournament but Mom kept telling me you were going to get better and that youd be well enough to travel.I kept telling you we were going to reach the World Cup final so you could make the trip, this was my mission once again.After every match, I waited for and missed your message. Thats when I realised how serious the situation really was.I couldnt stop thinking about going as far as possible, give you more time and the chance to watch one of the games.Table of ContentsMessi struggled to make an impact in the finalMessi legacy lives onMessi struggled to make an impact in the finalIt was an exhausting tournament for the 39-year-old, who captained his country to extra-time wins over Cape Verde and Switzerland before a mentally draining semi-final victory over old foes England.And Messi conceded had nothing left to give.He added: We reached the final, but you couldnt be there. I wanted to win it so I could bring the trophy to you and show you another one. I couldnt.My legs just couldnt give me any more. This time I tried to push beyond what my body could handle, but I couldnt.I never managed to feel physically right.We didnt become champions Dad, but you have no idea how much we enjoyed every match. Once again, you were right: I had to be there and play in it as you told me, always.Messi legacy lives onJorge is survived by his wife, Celia, and their four children: Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias and Mara Sol.Messis boyhood club, Newells Old Boys, led the tributes.Newells Old Boys mourn with profound pain and sorrow the passing of Jorge Messi, the club said.He was a renowned Newells supporter, businessman and the father of the captain of the Argentina national team, Lionel Messi.Jorge was the support and the person who, together with his wife, Celia, strengthened the career of the greatest player of all time with vision, rigour and affection.His constant support and behind-the-scenes leadership were fundamental in supporting every step of Lionels journey.Jorge worked in a steel factory in Rosario before moving to Europe when Messi joined Barcelonas academy in 2000.He went on to oversee his sons career as his agent, guiding moves from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain and later Inter Miami, while helping manage one of the most successful careers in football history. Topics Argentina National Football Team Lionel Messi Add us as a preferred source on Google If you enjoy reading this article, you can help support our independent football journalism by adding 101 Great Goals as a preferred source You Should Also Read Vitinha votes for outsider trio as Ballon dOr winners: It would be normal Ben Miller 11th August, 2026 Inter Miami pay tribute to absent Lionel Messi after death of his father 101 GreatGoals 9th August, 2026 Lionel Messis father Jorge dies aged 68 Mitch Fretton 8th August, 2026 Argentina: No pressure on Messi to play 2028 Copa America Mitch Fretton 7th August, 2026 Inter Miami vs Monterrey: Line-ups, stats and preview for Leagues Cup clash Mitch Fretton 7th August, 2026 Argentina commemorate World Cup win over England with National Football Teams Day Mitch Fretton 6th August, 2026
