ROSARIO: Lionel Messi has cast fresh doubt over his football future following the death of his father and longtime agent, Jorge Messi, saying he is unsure whether he can continue playing for “much longer.” The Argentina superstar, 39, shared an emotional message after returning to the United States following his father’s funeral, describing Jorge as a central figure in both his personal life and extraordinary football career. “I don’t know what I’ll do without you, I don’t know how to go on,” Messi wrote, admitting that he now has “serious doubts” about continuing his career. Jorge Messi died last week at the age of 68. His absence was particularly painful for Lionel because his father had repeatedly encouraged him to compete at another World Cup. The pair had hoped Jorge would watch Messi play in the tournament, but his health deteriorated shortly before the competition began. Messi said he kept believing Argentina could reach the final and hoped his father would eventually be able to travel and watch him. Argentina did reach the final, but Messi’s team lost 1-0 to Spain in New Jersey. Messi scored eight goals during the tournament and was once again at the centre of his country’s campaign. Yet the tournament was overshadowed by his father’s declining health. “Every time a match ended I waited for and missed your message,” Messi recalled, explaining how he gradually realised how serious the situation had become. After the final, Messi returned to Rosario to spend time with his family. He said his father initially believed Argentina had lost the final on penalties and was unable to fully experience the tournament because of his condition. Despite the heartbreak, Messi remembered how much his father had contributed to his career. Jorge was not only his agent but also his first coach and one of his strongest supporters. When Barcelona invited the 13-year-old Messi to Spain in 2000, Jorge left Argentina and moved with his son, helping him pursue his football dream. He later managed Messi’s career through major moves involving Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami. “You were a father, a friend, and an agent,” Messi wrote. For now, Messi’s future remains uncertain. His contract with Inter Miami reportedly runs through the end of the 2028 season, but his emotional message suggests that personal loss may force the football icon to reconsider how long he wants to remain on the pitch. For a player who has achieved almost everything in football, the next decision may be his most personal one yet.

Lionel Messi made his long-awaited return for Inter Miami on Saturday after an extended break following the FIFA World Cup, helping his side earn a 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer (MLS). The Argentine captain featured for the first time since the World Cup final, coming off the bench in the second half. Although he created several dangerous moments and came close to scoring, he was unable to find the net in his comeback appearance. The match was delayed by 40 minutes due to bad weather before Inter Miami made a bright start. Veteran striker Luis Suarez opened the scoring in the 16th minute, continuing his impressive run of form with his seventh goal in four matches. Columbus Crew restored parity in the 34th minute after an own goal by Casemiro. However, Inter Miami regained the lead before halftime when Suarez provided a precise assist for Noah Allen, who headed the ball into the net. The visitors refused to give up and found the equaliser late in the match. Midfielder Brais Mendez, making his debut for Columbus Crew after joining from Spanish club Real Sociedad, curled home a free kick in the 84th minute to secure a share of the points. The draw brought an end to Inter Miami’s six-match winning streak, though the club remained second in the MLS Eastern Conference standings. In another MLS fixture, Polish striker Robert Lewandowski delivered a memorable performance in his first home appearance for Chicago Fire. The veteran forward scored twice to inspire his team to a 2-1 victory over Charlotte FC. Lewandowski netted his first goal for Chicago to cancel out Charlotte’s early lead before scoring again moments later. He completed his brace in the second half, helping Chicago register its first league win since the World Cup break. Messi’s return and Lewandowski’s impressive display added fresh excitement to the MLS season as several international stars resumed club action following the conclusion of the World Cup.