Lionel Messi’s Father Jorge Dies at 68 After Illness

Argentine media outlets confirmed on Saturday that Jorge Messi, the father of Argentine football star Lionel Andrés Messi, passed away Friday evening at the age of 68 after a period of illness.

The timing of the loss

According to the Argentine website Infobae, Lionel Messi — who plays for Inter Miami — learned of his father’s death just hours before his team’s match against Mexico’s Monterrey. Jorge Messi died in a hospital in Rosario after battling illness.

His role in Lionel’s career

Jorge Messi was a foundational figure in Lionel Messi’s extraordinary football journey. As head of the household and personal mentor, he managed all of Lionel’s off-field responsibilities. He advocated for and secured essential medical treatment for his son during Lionel’s youth career at Newell’s Old Boys.

When the father and son embarked on their pursuit of success in Europe, Jorge remained closely involved, while Lionel’s mother coordinated family affairs back in Rosario.

Public presence and family life

Jorge Messi maintained an Instagram account where he regularly shared posts celebrating Lionel’s achievements, as well as moments with his children, grandchildren, and nephews.

He frequently appeared alongside family members during major tournaments. His absence from photographs of Messi’s family during the most recent FIFA World Cup drew attention — the only exception being Lionel’s wife, Antonella Roccuzzo, who attended with their sons Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro.

Messi’s emotional response

Thirty-nine-year-old Lionel Messi broke down in tears after scoring the opening goal of his campaign at the 2026 World Cup. When asked about his visible emotion after completing a hat-trick, he said: “It’s something completely unrelated to football. I’ve been through difficult and complicated days. I’m grateful to everyone in the delegation because, as always, they’ve stood by me.”

In a subsequent mixed-zone interview, former teammate Juan Pablo Sorín asked him directly: “It got to the point of tears because of family — your family — and also because of this other family, the national team, right?”

Messi replied: “Yes, in fact, it was mainly about family — more than anything else — because they’re always there, always supporting me. We’re going through a tough time now, so many things came together. And of course, also because of my teammates — they’re an amazing group who support me and make me happy.”

Family statement on health status

Days after the news emerged, Messi’s family issued a statement clarifying Jorge Messi’s health condition. It confirmed he had been “under medical supervision, recovering and showing positive progression within the context of his underlying health condition.”