Lionel Messi, 39, has raised serious questions about his playing future after the death of his father and longtime agent, Jorge Messi. In his first public message since the funeral, the Argentina superstar admitted he has &ldquo;serious doubts&rdquo; about continuing football for much longer.

&ldquo;I don&rsquo;t know what I&rsquo;ll do without you, I don&rsquo;t know how to go on,&rdquo; Messi wrote on social media, describing football as the one thing he had always played.

The admission comes days after Jorge Messi&rsquo;s funeral in Perez, near Rosario. Messi returned to the United States on Tuesday night after spending time with his family in Argentina.

His <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/jorge-messi-dies-aged-68-as-lionel-messi-mourns-father/7445-5-0">father</a> died last week aged 68. The cause of death was not disclosed, although local media had reported that Jorge had been suffering from cancer.

The timing has made Messi&rsquo;s comments particularly striking. His contract with Inter Miami runs through the end of the 2028 season, yet the wording of his message has raised the possibility that his personal decision could come well before the deal expires.

<h2>A career built alongside his father</h2>

Jorge Messi was central to the career that turned a teenage prodigy into one of football&rsquo;s biggest names. When Barcelona invited Lionel to Spain at 13, Jorge left his job, wife and three other children in Argentina to move with him.

He was also the father who took Messi to training after work, watched his matches and later negotiated major contracts at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.

That history shaped Messi&rsquo;s message. He recalled how Jorge had urged him to play in one last World Cup. His father&rsquo;s health deteriorated shortly before the tournament, meaning he could not attend.

<a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/lionel-messi-net-worth-2026-salary-contract-and-billionaire-status/5669-7-0">Messi</a> still delivered a remarkable campaign. At his sixth World Cup, he scored eight goals and helped Argentina reach the final against Spain. Argentina lost 1-0 in New Jersey.

Messi later returned to Rosario. He said his father initially believed the final had gone to penalties and could not fully understand what had happened.

The emotional toll was already visible during the tournament. Messi cried after scoring against Algeria and acknowledged that he was dealing with a situation outside football.

Now the Lionel Messi retirement debate has taken a sharp turn. There has been no announcement that he plans to quit, but his own words have made the question unavoidable.

The Jorge Messi death has left a personal void that may influence what comes next for the Argentina captain. His father had been present through almost every major stage of the journey.

&ldquo;You were a father, a friend, and an agent,&rdquo; Messi wrote.

For now, football has no answer about what Messi will do next. His contract remains, his status remains enormous, but the decision is suddenly personal rather than purely sporting. That choice could shape the final chapter of his career.

Lionel Messi has raised doubts over his playing future after his father Jorge Messi died, leaving supporters awaiting clarity on his next move today.

Lionel Messi Casts Fresh Doubt Over Future After Father’s Death

Donald Trump has stepped into FIFA&rsquo;s leadership crisis with a blunt warning: removing Gianni Infantino would be a &ldquo;terrible mistake.&rdquo;

The US president delivered his strongest public defence of the FIFA chief yet as pressure continues to build around the governing body&rsquo;s abandoned commercial restructuring plans.

Trump wrote on social media that FIFA should not even consider replacing Infantino, arguing that the Swiss administrator had overseen the &ldquo;most successful World Cup&rdquo; ever.

The intervention lands at a sensitive point for FIFA. UEFA, Concacaf and the Asian Football Confederation have accused Infantino of breaking trust through &ldquo;deception&rdquo; over the proposed FIFA Forward Enterprise, adding fresh pressure on his position.

<h2>Why Infantino Is Under Pressure</h2>

The FIFA Forward Enterprise plan would bring commercial rights and tournament operations under a new FIFA-controlled company. FIFA says the proposal could raise up to $4.2 billion from minority investors, based on an initial $20 billion valuation.

That proposal has triggered a fierce backlash across European football. UEFA has argued that football&rsquo;s major competitions should not be treated as assets available for outside investors, while other confederations have also raised concerns about the process.

The controversy has another politically sensitive angle. Thrive Eternal, founded by Joshua Kushner, was expected to be involved in the investor group. Kushner is the brother of Jared Kushner, Trump&rsquo;s son-in-law.

That connection has added another layer to an already uncomfortable debate.

Trump backs Infantino despite the growing revolt, insisting FIFA&rsquo;s fortunes would suffer if the president were removed.

Infantino&rsquo;s supporters can point to the 2026 World Cup, staged across the United States, Canada and Mexico, as a major commercial success. Spain won the tournament after beating Argentina in the final.

But the bigger question now sits inside FIFA itself. Can Infantino survive the backlash over FFE, and can the organisation rebuild trust with its powerful confederations?

The FIFA president Gianni Infantino crisis is therefore far from settled. Trump&rsquo;s intervention may strengthen Infantino politically, but it also puts the dispute under an even brighter spotlight.

For FIFA, the next move could prove decisive.

Trump backs Infantino as pressure grows at FIFA, warning that replacing its president could damage football’s commercial future.

Trump Warns FIFA Over Gianni Infantino Exit Amid Growing Revolt

Jorge Messi&#39;s death has prompted tributes from across football, with Barcelona, the Argentine Football Association and several of Lionel Messi&#39;s former clubs among those offering condolences to the Argentina captain and his family.

Messi&#39;s former club Barcelona marked the passing before their friendly against Nottingham Forest in Udine. A minute&#39;s silence was held before the game, while the club acknowledged Jorge&#39;s involvement in the formative years of his son&#39;s career.

Barcelona thanked Jorge &ldquo;for his commitment to our club, for entrusting us with the beginnings and the most glorious years of his son Leo&#39;s football career&rdquo;.

<a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/jorge-messi-dies-aged-68-as-lionel-messi-mourns-father/7445-5-0">Jorge Messi</a>, who was 68, died in Rosario after a long illness. He had been an important figure throughout Lionel&#39;s rise in football and became his son&#39;s agent when Lionel was 14. His role continued as Messi established himself at Barcelona, with Argentina and later Inter Miami.

The Argentine football community also paid its respects. Supporters gathered outside Messi&#39;s childhood home in Rosario, leaving flowers and flags, while Boca Juniors and River Plate observed periods of silence. The Argentine Football Association said it &ldquo;deeply mourns with sadness and sorrow the passing of Jorge Messi, father of our captain and emblem, Lionel Messi&rdquo;.

Messi did not feature for Inter Miami in Saturday&#39;s 2-1 Leagues Cup defeat by Monterrey. The club used the occasion to honour his father, with Jorge&#39;s name shown on the stadium screens and black armbands worn by the players.

Inter Miami tributes Messi&#39;s Father also extended beyond the match itself. The club placed a black ribbon on its social media profile pictures and issued a message of support for its captain: &ldquo;Our hearts are with our captain, Leo, and the entire Messi family.&rdquo;

A personal tribute came from Rodrigo de Paul during the match. After scoring Miami&#39;s goal, the Argentina midfielder removed his shirt to reveal one carrying Messi&#39;s name, while supporters in the stands displayed messages for the family.

Luis Suarez, who missed the match through suspension, also addressed the loss on Instagram. The former Barcelona forward wrote that Jorge would continue to watch over his son &ldquo;with pride, as he always did&rdquo;.

<a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/paris-saint-germain-vs-bayern-munich-uefa-champions-league-semi-final-highlights/5656-7-0">Paris Saint-Germain</a> also offered its &ldquo;full support&rdquo; to Messi and his family, adding to the international response following Jorge&#39;s death.

The Inter Miami pays tribute to Jorge Messi response came as Messi stepped away from football following the loss of his father.

Inter Miami pays tribute to Jorge Messi alongside Barcelona and Argentina as the football world mourns the passing of Lionel Messi's father.

Inter Miami Pays Tribute to Jorge Messi

Mexico and Argentina have thrown their weight behind Gianni Infantino, handing the FIFA president a timely boost as football&#39;s governing body continues to deal with the fallout from its controversial commercial rights proposal.

The proposal, which has since been withdrawn, triggered criticism from several football organizations over concerns surrounding governance and decision making inside FIFA. While the issue has divided confederations across the world, support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino continues to grow in key regions.

Mexico&#39;s Football Federation chose a different path from CONCACAF, its regional governing body, which recently demanded a broad review of Infantino&#39;s leadership. Instead, the federation praised FIFA&#39;s institutional framework and said football&#39;s development should remain the priority for all 211 member associations.

Argentina&#39;s Football Association also issued a strong endorsement ahead of next year&#39;s FIFA Congress in Morocco, where Gianni Infantino is widely expected to seek a fourth term. In its message, the AFA credited FIFA&#39;s leadership over the past decade for strengthening governance and expanding football development across the globe.

<h2>FIFA Divisions Continue to Widen</h2>

The latest statements underline how divided world football has become. The Confederation of African Football has also reaffirmed its support for FIFA President Gianni Infantino, adding another influential voice behind the current administration.

Elsewhere, opposition remains firm. <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/uefa-maintains-the-world-cup-boycott-threat-in-latest-statement/7421-5-0">UEFA</a> has maintained its boycott of FIFA competitions, while the Asian Football Confederation has expressed solidarity with UEFA and CONCACAF over governance concerns. South America&#39;s <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/conmebol-criticizes-fifa-decisions-under-gianni-infantino/7416-7-0">CONMEBOL</a> has taken a more measured position, insisting that any move to remove the FIFA president must be decided through a vote involving all 211 member associations.

FIFA recently apologized to its members over mistakes linked to the commercial rights proposal and promised to strengthen its internal processes. Even so, the controversy has exposed growing political divisions inside world football.

With the FIFA Congress approaching, alliances are becoming increasingly important. The public backing from Mexico, Argentina and CAF has strengthened Gianni Infantino&#39;s position, but resistance from several influential football bodies ensures the leadership debate is far from over.

Mexico and Argentina have backed Gianni Infantino despite FIFA's latest controversy, exposing fresh divisions before next year's Congress.

FIFA Split Deepens As Mexico and Argentina Back Gianni Infantino

CONMEBOL, the governing body of South American football, recently welcomed FIFA&#39;s decision to scrap its private investment proposal. At the same time, the body said it remained concerned about FIFA&#39;s strategy under Gianni Infantino, who has taken several unilateral actions during the last few years.

CONMEBOL is generally regarded as a close supporter of FIFA president Gianni Infantino. However, its comments reflect the concerns raised by other football confederations, which said they were not informed in advance about the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/fifa-investment-plan-uefa-fifa-dispute-global-backlash/7297-7-0">investment proposal</a> that FIFA withdrew on Saturday.

&quot;In light of the events affecting the football family, the CONMEBOL Council, meeting today, welcomes FIFA&#39;s decision to withdraw the FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) proposal,&quot; said the confederation&#39;s statement.

&quot;The Council also unanimously expresses its concern regarding the repeated unilateral actions taken without resorting to dialogue or to the institutional mechanisms established to address situations of this nature.&quot; added the statement.

CONMEBOL, which backed Infantino&#39;s bid for another term as FIFA president earlier this year, said the controversy had taken attention away from what it described as an &quot;extraordinary&quot; World Cup.

&quot;Within a matter of days, football has gone from being at the center of global attention due to the staging of an extraordinary sporting event to becoming the focus of public debate on matters related to its governance,&quot; said the confederation&#39;s statement.

However, CONMEBOL made it clear that it would not back any effort to remove Infantino before the FIFA presidential election in Rabat next March.

Infantino&#39;s critics could still try to force him out by securing enough support for a vote of no confidence, which would require FIFA to hold an extraordinary Congress.

&quot;On 18 November, 2026, the deadline for submitting candidacies for the FIFA presidency will expire.&rdquo; said the confederation&#39;s statement.

&quot;Thereafter, the FIFA Congress will elect, through the votes of its 211 member associations, the person who will lead the organization during the next term, including overseeing the organization of the FIFA Centennial World Cup 2030.&rdquo; added the confederation&#39;s statement.

&quot;Accordingly, CONMEBOL will not support any action or procedure that disregards or departs from those institutional mechanisms.&quot; concluded the statement.

CONMEBOL welcomed FIFA's decision to drop its private investment plan, but raised concerns over Gianni Infantino's leadership and repeated unilateral actions.

CONMEBOL Voices Concern Over FIFA's Independent Decision-Making

Real Madrid appear ready to end months of uncertainty surrounding <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/real-madrid-ended-vini-jr-renewal-saga/7331-5-0">Vinicius Junio</a>r after fresh negotiations moved both sides to the brink of a long-term agreement. The latest developments have dealt a major setback to Arsenal, who had quietly positioned themselves as serious contenders for one of football&#39;s biggest transfers.

The latest round of discussions took place at Real Madrid&#39;s training complex, where club officials met directly with the Brazilian winger and his representatives. Those talks reportedly produced significant progress, with the Spanish champions improving their financial offer and strengthening confidence that an agreement is now within reach.

The proposed package is expected to make Vinicius one of the club&#39;s highest-paid players, with reports suggesting an annual salary worth around &pound;18.5 million. That revised offer has shifted momentum firmly in Madrid&#39;s favour after negotiations first began in early 2025.

Arsenal had remained optimistic for months. The Premier League side were willing to meet the player&#39;s earlier salary expectations and believed they had a genuine opportunity if negotiations stalled. Instead, Vinicius Junior contract extension discussions have accelerated at exactly the right moment for Real Madrid.

<h2>Romano confirms breakthrough after decisive meeting</h2>

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano reported that the meeting involving Vinicius, his Roc Nation representatives and Real Madrid executives brought both parties remarkably close to a final agreement.

According to Romano, the club always wanted to resolve the situation before it became the dominant story of the transfer window. That objective now appears within touching distance.

The growing optimism arrived only hours after Vinicius surprised millions of supporters by deleting every post from his Instagram account. With nearly 64 million followers watching, the sudden social media wipe sparked fresh speculation that an exit could be imminent.

Instead, the move now looks unlikely to signal a departure.

Manager Jose Mourinho reportedly views the Brazilian as one of the key figures for the upcoming campaign and has backed the club&#39;s efforts to secure his future. His influence behind the scenes is believed to have strengthened Madrid&#39;s position during the latest discussions.

For Arsenal, the outcome represents a frustrating end to an ambitious pursuit. Manager Mikel Arteta recently admitted his squad would continue searching for reinforcements before the transfer window closes, but Real Madrid transfer news now points firmly toward Vinicius remaining in Spain.

While paperwork has yet to be completed, all signs indicate the deal is entering its final stages. Unless negotiations take an unexpected turn, Real Madrid transfer news is set to deliver the outcome the club has wanted all along, with Vinicius expected to remain at the Santiago Bernabeu for years to come.

Vinicius Junior is close to signing a new Real Madrid contract, leaving Arsenal's ambitious transfer pursuit on the verge of collapse.

Vinicius Rejects Arsenal As Real Madrid Seal New Contract Deal

Lionel Messi added another remarkable chapter to his career after scoring twice in Inter Miami&#39;s 4-2 win over Atletico San Luis in the opening round of Leagues Cup 2026 on Wednesday.

The Argentine captain entered the night with a chance to rewrite tournament history and did exactly that. His two goals lifted his overall tally to 14, making him the highest scorer the competition has seen since its launch between Major League Soccer and Liga MX clubs.

<a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/lionel-messi-returns-in-inter-miami-vs-columbus-crew-draw/7344-7-0">Inter Miami</a> faced an early setback when David Rodriguez found the net in the fourth minute. The visitors looked sharp, but their advantage lasted only seven minutes before Messi calmly brought Miami level with a precise finish.

Momentum shifted quickly. Telasco Segovia put the home side ahead in the 26th minute after a flowing attacking move, giving Miami complete control before the interval.

Messi struck again moments before half-time, extending the lead with another clinical finish. Deep into stoppage time, Brazilian defender Micael added a fourth goal, leaving Atletico San Luis with a mountain to climb.

Rafa Llorente managed to score after the break, but the visitors never seriously threatened a comeback as Inter Miami comfortably saw out the contest.

The latest milestone adds another memorable achievement to Messi&#39;s growing legacy with the Florida club. He played a key role in guiding Inter Miami to the inaugural title in 2023, and his latest performance suggests he remains central to the club&#39;s ambitions in Leagues Cup 2026.

Elsewhere in the competition, FC Dallas defeated Queretaro 2-0, while Leon edged Nashville 1-0 to begin their campaigns with valuable victories.

The tournament has only just begun, yet <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/watch/fifa-2026-lionel-messi-silver-boot-winner/13382890">Lionel Messi</a> has already provided its biggest headline, setting a record that could stand for years.

Lionel Messi struck twice as Inter Miami defeated Atletico San Luis 4-2, becoming the all-time leading scorer in Leagues Cup history.

Leagues Cup 2026 Begins with Lionel Messi Record-Breaking Brace

FIFA has rejected reports suggesting President <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/sorry-you-were-consumed-by-hate-infantino-hits-back-at-critics/7250-5-0">Gianni Infantino</a> contacted United States President Donald Trump or officials from his administration following the collapse of a proposed World Cup commercial rights investment plan. FIFA described the claims as &ldquo;pure fiction&rdquo; in a statement issued to Reuters.

The governing body responded after a report claimed Infantino had attempted to seek support from the US administration after the proposal was withdrawn. FIFA said no such communication had taken place in recent days.

&ldquo;The FIFA President has not made any call to the U.S. President, or any members of his administration, in recent days. It is pure fiction,&rdquo; FIFA said in its statement.

The controversy follows the decision to abandon a plan that would have seen FIFA sell around a 20% stake in a new commercial entity managing competitions, including the World Cup. The proposal was aimed at attracting private investment and generating up to $4.2 billion but faced opposition from several stakeholders.

<h2>Pressure Increases After Commercial Plan Collapse</h2>

The failed initiative has increased scrutiny around Infantino&rsquo;s leadership as he prepares for a potential bid for another term as FIFA president. The setback has raised questions over the future of the commercial strategy and its impact on his position within football&rsquo;s governing structure.

Infantino has maintained a close relationship with Trump in recent years, with both figures appearing together at major football events. Their public association included the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup in the United States and preparations surrounding the <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/sports/fifa-world-cup-2026/444/1">2026 FIFA World Cup</a>, which will be hosted by the United States, Mexico and Canada.

The relationship also drew attention after Infantino presented Trump with the inaugural FIFA Peace Prize in December 2025, naming him the first recipient of the award.

Further scrutiny emerged because Thrive Capital, founded by Joshua Kushner, had been linked with the proposed commercial rights venture. Kushner is the brother of Jared Kushner, Trump&rsquo;s son-in-law.

FIFA has continued to deny any political involvement in the aftermath of the failed investment proposal, while Infantino faces pressure to address concerns surrounding the organisation&rsquo;s commercial direction.

FIFA denied Infantino-Trump report, calling claims that Gianni Infantino sought Donald Trump's help after a $4.2B World Cup deal collapsed pure fiction.

FIFA Denied Infantino-Trump Report on Failed World Cup Deal

MIAMI: Lionel Messi returns to competitive action but Inter Miami CF were unable to celebrate with a victory, conceding late in a 2-2 draw against Columbus Crew at Nu Stadium on Saturday. The result leaves Miami frustrated after leading twice during an entertaining MLS encounter.

The Argentine forward was not included in the starting lineup and made his first appearance since Argentina&#39;s <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/spain-dominate-argentina-lamine-yamal-first-world-cup-win/7118-7-0">World Cup final</a> defeat when he entered the match shortly after halftime. His introduction was greeted with a standing ovation from the home crowd, and he nearly made an immediate impact, sending a left-footed effort narrowly wide after linking up with Luis Suarez.

<h2>Miami fail to protect two leads</h2>

Before <a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/messi-joins-miami-training-after-world-cup-duty/7301-7-0">Messi&#39;s arrival</a>, Suarez had already played a decisive role in Miami&#39;s attacking display. The veteran striker opened the scoring with a long-range finish and later created the hosts&#39; second goal, providing the assist for Noah Allen just before the break.

Columbus, however, responded on both occasions. An own goal by debutant Casemiro brought the visitors level for the first time, while Brais M&eacute;ndez rescued a point with a free-kick late in the second half to ensure the Inter Miami vs Columbus Crew contest ended all square.

<h2>Hoyos praises squad despite dropped points</h2>

Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos admitted his side missed the chance to secure all three points but highlighted the commitment shown throughout the match.

&quot;I want to thank the squad for the effort they&#39;ve put in,&quot; he said.

&quot;I want to publicly thank Leo and Rodri for being here; that has been truly important for us. I also want to acknowledge the sustained effort everyone is making throughout the game, a league that is fiercely contested and requires hard work.&quot;

Although the draw denied Miami a winning return for Messi, the 39-year-old&#39;s comeback provided a positive boost as the club prepares for the next phase of its MLS campaign.

Lionel Messi returns off the bench, but Inter Miami vs Columbus Crew ends in a dramatic 2-2 draw after a late equalizer at Nu Stadium.

Lionel Messi Returns in Inter Miami vs Columbus Crew Draw

FIFA has moved to calm growing unrest after its proposed commercial restructuring triggered one of the biggest political disputes in world football in recent years.

The governing body issued a strong statement rejecting claims that the FIFA World Cup was being put up for sale. Officials insisted reports surrounding the proposed FIFA private equity venture had created confusion and stressed that no deal would move forward without approval from member associations.

According to FIFA, the consultation process had been overshadowed by inaccurate reporting, leading to widespread criticism before members had the opportunity to review the proposal.

&quot;The FIFA World Cup belongs to football,&quot; the organization effectively argued through its statement, adding that existing commercial operations would remain unchanged if members declined to support the new FIFA Forward Enterprise.

<h2>UEFA and Concacaf Push Back Against FIFA Proposal</h2>

The reassurance did little to ease tensions.

<a href="https://www.tapmad.com/blog/uefa-threatens-to-boycott-world-cup-over-fifa-investment-plans/7312-5-0">UEFA</a> announced that its member associations would refuse to take part in FIFA competitions if the governing body pursued the investment proposal. European football leaders argued that the game&#39;s biggest competitions should never become financial assets for outside investors.

Concacaf soon echoed similar concerns. Its members questioned the speed of the process, the limited consultation and the absence of approval through FIFA&#39;s established governance channels. Officials also challenged the need for external investment after recent World Cups generated record revenues.

The proposed venture would create a commercial company valued at around $20 billion, with private investors owning up to a 20 percent stake. Reports identified a New York investment firm founded by Joshua Kushner as the lead investor.

To encourage support, FIFA reportedly offered to double guaranteed funding for each member association from $10 million to $20 million during the next funding cycle. Long-term projections suggested significantly larger financial distributions through 2038 if the proposal received approval.

Resistance, however, has spread beyond Europe.

The Asian Football Confederation also raised concerns, warning member nations that the proposal could weaken the balance between FIFA and continental confederations while creating uncertainty around future competitions.

Despite mounting opposition, FIFA maintains that every one of its 211 member associations deserves an equal voice before any decision is reached. The organization insists FIFA private equity remains only a proposal under consultation and says FIFA World Cup competitions will continue under the existing structure unless members collectively choose a different direction.

FIFA insists the World Cup is not for sale after UEFA, Concacaf and other football bodies strongly oppose its proposed private equity venture.

FIFA Rejects Sale Claims Amid World Cup Investment Backlash

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