Heartbroken Lionel Messi speaks out in first post since father’s death/ Image: AP, InstagramFor the first time since the death of his father Jorge Messi earlier this month, Lionel Messi has spoken publicly, sharing an emotional tribute that offered a deeply personal look at the grief he has been carrying throughout one of the most difficult periods of his life. The Argentina captain posted a photograph with his father alongside the simple caption, " Te amo, pa" (" I love you, Dad"), before accompanying it with a heartfelt letter reflecting on their relationship, the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the uncertainty he now feels about life without the man who had been beside him since the very beginning."

Dad, I still can't believe you're gone" Messi began by admitting that he is still struggling to accept his father's passing." Dad, I still can't believe you're gone.

It hasn't sunk in, or rather, I don't want it to. It's so hard to imagine that I won't see you anymore, that we won't talk anymore."

While acknowledging that his father had been suffering, Messi admitted the loss came far sooner than he was prepared for." I know you were suffering and that it's for the best, but you left too soon.

We still had so much to enjoy together." The World Cup promise that was never fulfilledOne of the most emotional passages centred on Argentina's journey to the 2026 FIFA World Cup final.

Messi revealed that Jorge had repeatedly urged him to play in what became his final World Cup, even as his health deteriorated in the days before the tournament." You kept asking me to play in the last World Cup, and it was just days before it started that you were at your worst.

It was the first time you weren't going to be at a tournament, but Mom kept telling me you'd get better and that you'd be well enough to travel. I kept telling you we were going to make it to the final so you could go."

Throughout Argentina's run, Messi said one thing remained painfully absent after every match" Every time a game ended, I waited for and missed your message. That's when I realised how awful the situation really was.

Argentina fulfilled its side of the promise by reaching the final against Spain, but Jorge was unable to make the trip." We made it to the final, and you couldn't be there."

Messi admitted that his greatest motivation became lifting the trophy for his father." I wanted to win it so I could take it home and show you a new one.