Lionel Messi’s father dies aged 68 after long illness

ROSARIO — Jorge Messi, the father of Argentine football icon Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 after a prolonged illness, the family confirmed on Friday night.

Lionel Messi's father, Jorge Messi dies at 68

Jorge died at a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina, after spending his final months moving between medical care and his home, where he was surrounded by his wife, Celia, and their children, Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol.

Lionel Messi, 39, had remained close to his father during his illness. The Inter Miami forward spent time with Jorge following the World Cup in North America before returning to club football, making his comeback for the MLS side a week ago.

More than a father to football’s biggest star

Jorge was one of the most influential figures behind Messi’s extraordinary football journey.

He closely followed his son from his formative years through his rise at Barcelona, providing support and later serving as his representative for several years.

For Messi, his father’s opinion carried enormous emotional weight.

“I always needed my dad’s approval, ever since I was a kid. After every match, I’d ask him what he thought of how I played,” Messi once said.

That relationship became especially poignant during the World Cup, when Messi experienced a visibly emotional period away from the pitch.

After scoring a hat-trick against Algeria in Argentina’s opening match, the captain broke down in tears while celebrating his first goal.

Lionel Messi's father, Jorge Messi dies at 68

Asked about the emotional reaction afterwards, Messi explained that his tears were caused by “something unrelated to football” and followed “a few difficult, complicated days.”

The family subsequently confirmed that Jorge was undergoing medical treatment for a health condition.

Football world mourns Jorge Messi

Tributes began arriving from across football following news of his death.

Real Madrid, Messi’s boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys, and the Argentine Football Association were among those to express condolences to the Messi family.

The Argentine FA said:

“From here, we stand in solidarity with the entire family during this difficult time and send the most heartfelt, warm, and affectionate embrace. Strength to you all.”

Jorge’s influence on Messi’s career extended far beyond the touchline. He was there during the early stages of his son’s development, through his move to Spain and throughout the years in which Messi established himself as one of football’s greatest players.

His death therefore marks the loss of not only a father but also a key figure in the personal and professional journey of a player whose career has been defined by extraordinary success.

Messi’s Inter Miami were scheduled to face Monterrey later on Saturday in the Leagues Cup group stage.

The club had not immediately issued a comment following the family’s confirmation of Jorge Messi’s death.