Inside Sport newsletter: Get an expert guide to the biggest moments shaping the world of sport Get our free Inside Sport newsletter Get our free Inside Sport newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Messi’s father, Jorge, died at the age of 68 last week after battling with a long illness. Jorge was highly influential in Messi’s career, having also been his agent since the Argentinian was 14, overseeing his rise into arguably the greatest footballer of all time. In an emotional tribute, Messi said he didn’t know how to “carry on” playing without his father, which could spell retirement for the 39-year-old. Messi’s tribute continued: "Dad, I still can't believe you're gone.