Lionel Messi's World Cup ordeal amid his father's illness

Lionel Messi published a heartfelt letter describing how he endured the 2026 World Cup while his father, Jorge, fought a grave illness, and he disclosed that he entered the final against Spain physically depleted and exhausted.

In a farewell message shared with a photograph beside Jorge on his social media, the Argentina captain revealed that he arrived at the final in a weakened physical state and fought until total exhaustion.

Physical toll in the final

Messi wrote, “You kept asking me to play the last World Cup and days before it started you got the worst,” reflecting his father's deteriorating health just before the tournament began.

During the celebration of his first World Cup goal against Algeria, Messi became emotional, dedicating tears and the words “I love you” to his father, while also scoring two additional goals in the 3‑0 victory that propelled Argentina forward.

He later delivered a brace against Austria, sealing qualification to the round of 16, even as rumors circulated about Jorge’s condition.

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Messi’s group‑stage campaign concluded with a substitute appearance against Jordan, where he netted a goal in the final half‑hour after entering the match.

Knockout stage contributions and lingering doubts

In the knockout rounds, Messi scored against Cape Verde, added a goal in the comeback win over Egypt, and provided an assist in the quarter‑final against Switzerland.

He was the central figure in the historic semi‑final triumph over England, yet news from Rosario confirmed that Jorge’s health had not improved, eliminating any chance of his father traveling for the decisive match in New Jersey on 19 July.

Before the final against Spain, Messi confessed, “We reached the final and you couldn’t be there. I wanted to win it for you, but my legs gave out. I never felt well,” underscoring his physical limits.

After the loss, Messi returned to Rosario exhausted, expressing uncertainty about his future at both club level with Inter Miami and with the national team, noting that Argentina still has two FIFA dates in 2026 and that his participation in the upcoming Copa América (2028) and a potential World Cup 2030 appearance remain unclear.