Death of Lionel Messi's Father Jorge Messi at 68 in Rosario
Jorge Messi, father and longtime advisor of football star Lionel Messi, died at age 68 on August 7, 2026, in a Rosario, Argentina clinic after battling pancreatic cancer. Argentine media Infobae and Olé reported the death, but the Messi family had not officially confirmed it as of August 8. Jorge was pivotal in Lionel’s career, from signing with Barcelona on a napkin to managing transfers. His illness had affected Lionel during the 2026 World Cup.
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Messi's Emotional Farewell to Deceased Father and Doubts Over Football Future
Lionel Messi, the 39-year-old Argentine football superstar, has spoken publicly for the first time following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away at age 68. In an emotional social media post, Messi expressed disbelief and grief, revealing how his father's serious illness affected him during the recent World Cup, where Argentina lost to Spain in the final. Messi admitted he struggled physically and mentally during the tournament, stating his legs 'wouldn't cooperate anymore.' He also raised serious doubts about his future in football, writing, 'I don't know what I would do without you... I have serious doubts about whether I will continue doing it for much longer.' Jorge Messi had been his son's advisor since the beginning of his career, bringing him to FC Barcelona as a teenager. Messi currently plays for Inter Miami in the USA.
Read sourceMessi says not certain to play ‘much longer’ after father’s death
Lionel Messi, 39, expressed serious doubts about continuing his football career following the death of his father Jorge Messi, aged 68, who also served as his agent. In a social media message on August 12, 2026, Messi reflected on his father's final months, which coincided with the 2026 World Cup. Messi, whose Inter Miami contract runs through 2028, revealed he had pushed himself physically but felt unable to perform, after Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain in the World Cup final. Jorge Messi's absence from the tournament had drawn attention, and his family had requested privacy amid health rumors. The cause of death was not disclosed, but local media reported cancer. Messi bid farewell in a private ceremony in Perez, Argentina, attended by close family and teammates.
Read sourceLionel Messi unsure playing career will last 'much longer' after death of his father, Jorge
Lionel Messi has expressed doubts about continuing his playing career for much longer following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away at age 68 on August 8, 2026. Jorge Messi had been experiencing health issues since before the World Cup, and Messi's emotional reaction during Argentina's group-stage win over Algeria was linked to his father's condition. In a social media statement, the 39-year-old Messi said he 'does not know how to carry on' and questioned whether he will continue playing. Jorge Messi served as his son's agent and business manager, accompanying him from childhood through his career at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami. Cristiano Ronaldo was among those who paid tribute. The article includes Messi's full emotional statement addressing his father directly.
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Lionel Messi Unsure About Continuing Career After Father's Death
Lionel Messi has expressed uncertainty about continuing his playing career following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away at age 68 on August 8, 2026. The 39-year-old Argentine star posted an emotional statement on social media saying he 'does not know how to carry on' and has 'fair few doubts' about playing much longer. Jorge Messi played a pivotal role in his son's career, serving as his agent and business manager from the beginning, including accompanying a 13-year-old Lionel to Barcelona for a trial. Messi revealed his father had been ill during the recent World Cup, asking him to play in the tournament but ultimately being unable to attend. Cristiano Ronaldo was among those who paid tribute. The article includes Messi's full statement expressing grief and questioning his future in football.
Lionel Messi Unsure Playing Career Will Last 'Much Longer' After Death of His Father Jorge
Lionel Messi has expressed doubts about continuing his playing career for much longer following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away at age 68 on August 8, 2026. Jorge Messi had been experiencing health issues since June, missing Argentina's World Cup campaign. In an emotional social media statement, the 39-year-old Messi said he 'does not know how to carry on' and questioned whether he will keep playing. Jorge Messi was a central figure in his son's career, serving as his agent and business manager from his early days at Barcelona through his moves to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami. Cristiano Ronaldo was among those who paid tribute. The article includes Messi's full statement, revealing his pain over his father's absence during the World Cup final.
Messi Unsure He Will Play 'Much Longer' After Father's Death
Lionel Messi has expressed uncertainty about continuing his professional soccer career for much longer following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, at age 68. Jorge Messi, who also served as his son's agent, was a pivotal figure in Lionel's career from his early days at Newell's Old Boys through his moves to Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami. In an emotional Instagram post, Messi paid tribute to his father's impact on his life and career, stating he is unsure if he will play 'much longer.' The news has sparked widespread speculation about the future of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, who currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
Read sourceFC Barcelona Icon Lionel Messi Hints at Retirement After Father's Death
Lionel Messi released an emotional Instagram statement addressing the death of his father Jorge Messi, who passed away at age 68 after a long illness. In the statement, Messi revealed the personal toll of the 2026 World Cup final loss to Spain, noting his father was too ill to attend. Messi expressed deep uncertainty about his future in football, saying he doesn't know how to continue without his father, who was also his manager and closest confidant. The FC Barcelona legend hinted at retirement, stating he has 'quite a few doubts' about playing for much longer. Messi had flown to his hometown Rosario for the funeral and was excused by his current club Inter Miami.
Read sourceLionel Messi's Farewell Letter to His Father Jorge Messi
Lionel Messi published a heartfelt farewell letter to his father, Jorge Messi, who recently passed away. In the letter, Messi expresses his grief and inability to process the loss, recalling how his father urged him to play in one last World Cup. Messi describes his father's declining health just before the tournament and his own struggle to win the final for him, though he failed. He reveals that his father mistakenly believed the team lost on penalties and that they never discussed the tournament. Messi questions his future in football, stating he has serious doubts about continuing without his father, who was also his friend and agent. He vows to raise his children the way his parents raised him and thanks his father for everything.
Read sourceMessi Thanks Public for Respect and Understanding After Father's Death
Lionel Messi publicly thanked fans and the public for their love, respect, and understanding following the death of his father. In a statement shared on Instagram and reported by Hupu Football News on August 12, Messi expressed gratitude for the messages and gestures of support, and specifically asked for continued respect for his family's grief and privacy during this painful time. The brief announcement comes after Messi had earlier bid farewell to his father in a separate post. The article also includes a critical user comment referencing tax evasion controversies, but the core news is Messi's expression of thanks.
Read sourceMessi Mourns Father in Emotional Social Media Tribute
Lionel Messi posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram mourning the death of his father, Jorge Messi. In a long message, Messi expressed disbelief and grief, recalling how his father's health worsened just before the 2022 World Cup. He described playing the tournament without his father present for the first time, waiting for messages after each match, and the pain of not being able to win the final for him. Messi reflected on their close relationship, his father's role as a parent, friend, and agent, and his influence on raising his own children. The post ends with a thank you and a declaration of love.
Messi Remains in Argentina After Father's Death, No Return Date Set
Following the death of his father Jorge Messi at age 68 after a battle with cancer, Lionel Messi has remained in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, to be with his family. According to Argentine journalist Lucas Gatti, Messi has suspended all work and sports-related activities and will not return to the United States to rejoin Inter Miami until further notice. His wife Antonela and their three sons are by his side. A private, low-key farewell ceremony was held on Sunday with only family and close acquaintances. Several Argentine national team players, including Paredes, Otamendi, Di Maria, Montiel, and possibly De Paul, are expected to visit him. Inter Miami will face Leon in the Leagues Cup and Nashville in MLS without their captain, with no timeline for his return.
Messi Fans Gather at Cemetery to Offer Condolences After Father's Death
Lionel Messi's father, Jorge Messi, passed away at age 68 on Saturday local time. The Messi family held a private, low-profile farewell ceremony at the El Prado cemetery in Pérez, Argentina, attended only by family and close acquaintances. During the ceremony, several Messi supporters arrived at the cemetery entrance to express condolences and support. Fans left banners with messages such as 'Come on, Lionel, we love you forever' and 'Come on, Leo' at the fence near National Route 33. Access to the cemetery was strictly restricted to authorized vehicles, and media were confined outside the entrance fence to protect the family's privacy. Throughout the weekend, numerous clubs, players, and football figures also sent messages of condolence and support to Messi and his family.
Read sourceMessi Family Holds Private Farewell Ceremony for Jorge Messi at Rosario Cemetery
According to a report from Argentine outlet Ole, Lionel Messi and his family held a private ceremony at a cemetery in Rosario, Argentina, to bid farewell to Jorge Messi. The event was conducted under tight security measures, with only relatives and close friends in attendance. Despite the strict security, some photographs of the ceremony were reportedly taken. The report, sourced from Ole and republished by Hupu Soccer, highlights the family's efforts to maintain privacy during the emotional event.
Jorge Messi's Funeral Concludes with Private Ceremony in Rosario
On August 9, 2024, Lionel Messi returned to Argentina from Inter Miami's training camp to bid farewell to his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away at age 68. Jorge had long served as Messi's agent and accompanied him throughout his career. The funeral was held in a private ceremony at Prado Cemetery in Rosario under tight security, attended by relatives and close friends. Outside, thousands of fans gathered with jerseys, banners, and messages to express condolences. Local institutions including Rosario Central and Newell's Old Boys sent warm messages of comfort. Argentine national team fans also showed support during this difficult time.
Read sourceFormer Barcelona Director Says Club Wanted to Attend Jorge Messi's Funeral but Respected Family's Privacy
Toni Freixa, a former Barcelona presidential candidate and club director, stated on social media that Barcelona expressed willingness to attend the funeral of Jorge Messi, father of Lionel Messi, but respected the family's decision to keep the event private. Freixa initially emphasized the importance of the club's presence, then clarified that the club had communicated its intent while honoring the family's wish for a private ceremony. Jorge Messi passed away at age 68. The report originates from Hupu Football News.
Read sourceIniesta Sends Condolences to Messi After Death of His Father Jorge
On August 9, former Barcelona player Andres Iniesta expressed his condolences to his former teammate Lionel Messi following the death of Messi's father, Jorge Messi, at age 68. Iniesta posted on Instagram, writing: 'Leo, I am truly heartbroken. No words can ease the pain of losing your father. I send all my love to you and your family. Rest in peace, Jorge. You will always be remembered.' The news was reported by Hupu, a Chinese sports media outlet, citing Instagram as the source. The article highlights the emotional bond between the two football legends and the public mourning of Jorge Messi's passing.
Read sourceMessi Returns to Rosario with Family to Bid Farewell to His Father Jorge Messi
Lionel Messi traveled from the United States to Rosario, Argentina, on a private plane with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three children to attend the private funeral of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away at age 68 after a battle with illness. The family went directly to El Prado Cemetery for a private ceremony. In the La Bajada neighborhood, where Messi grew up, fans gathered to mourn, leaving flags and heartfelt messages at the family home. The article highlights Jorge's crucial role as father, agent, and protector in Messi's career. Despite knowing his father's condition was irreversible for weeks, Messi continued playing football, scoring twice for Inter Miami in a Leagues Cup match on Wednesday. He was preparing to play again on Saturday until receiving the news, prompting his immediate return to Argentina. The report emphasizes football as Messi's therapy and the shared grief of Rosario, Argentina, and fans worldwide.
Read sourceMonterrey Coach Almada Offers Condolences to Messi After Father's Death, Discusses Mexican League
Monterrey head coach Fernando Almada publicly expressed condolences to Lionel Messi and his family following the death of Messi's father, Jorge Messi, at age 68. Messi missed Inter Miami's Leagues Cup match against Monterrey, which Monterrey won 2-1 with a last-minute goal from Diego Rossi. Almada, who recently lost his own father, empathized with Messi's grief and stated he did not alter his game plan due to Messi's absence, calling such an action 'terrible.' He also discussed the lack of international exposure for the Mexican league, arguing it has quality coaches, players, and teams that deserve global broadcasting to attract foreign interest and player transfers to Europe.
L'Équipe: Jorge Messi, Father and Key Figure in Lionel Messi's Career, Dies at 68
French sports daily L'Équipe published a commemorative column by Barcelona correspondent Tracy Rodrigo on Jorge Messi, father of Lionel Messi, who passed away at age 68. The article details Jorge's sacrifices, including moving from Argentina to Barcelona to support his son's hormone treatment and football career. Jorge served as Messi's agent and close advisor for 21 years, often taking tough stances with Barcelona executives. During the 2022 World Cup, false rumors of Jorge's death circulated in Argentine media, deeply affecting Messi. Jorge died peacefully at his home in Rosario, surrounded by family. Former Barcelona director Toni Freixa praised him as a smart, gentlemanly figure who enabled Messi to focus on football.
Read sourceArgentine President Milei Reposts Instagram Tribute Calling Messi Greatest in Country's History
On August 9, 2024, Argentine President Javier Milei updated his personal Instagram to repost a story expressing support for Lionel Messi following the passing of Messi's father. The reposted story stated that Messi had been striving to bring joy to all Argentine people over the past two months while his father was in the final stage of life. It declared Messi 'the greatest person in the history of this country' and called it 'shameful' that some Argentines had opposed him. Milei added a black ribbon to the post to express mourning and support. The news was reported by Hupu Football, a Chinese sports media outlet, citing Instagram as the source.
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