What happened: In a public farewell Wednesday, Lionel Messi said he has serious doubts about continuing football much longer. He wrote that he does not know how to move forward without his father, Jorge.
Why it matters: Jorge managed his son's professional affairs from Lionel's teenage years, tying the loss closely to every stage of his career. The comments place fresh uncertainty around the final phase of one of football's defining careers.
By the numbers: Jorge Messi died Aug. 8 at age 68 in Rosario, Argentina.
What to watch: Messi's return to football and any firm decision on his playing future are the next developments to watch.