August 8, 2026 | 10:21 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The father of football superstar Lionel Messi, Jorge Messi, passed away late Friday, August 7, local time, at a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina.
According to Marca, Jorge passed away at the age of 68 after undergoing lengthy treatment for an illness.
In recent months, Jorge had been receiving treatment alternately at a medical center in Rosario and at his home. He was accompanied by his wife, Celia, and children, Rodrigo, Matias, and Maria Sol.
Lionel Messi is known to have spent time with his father after the World Cup before rejoining his club, Inter Miami. The Argentine national team captain also returned to action with Inter Miami about a week ago.
Jorge played a significant role in Lionel Messi's career. He accompanied his son since his early days at Barcelona and became one of the most important figures in the superstar's life. For many years, Jorge also acted as his son's agent.
Jorge's health situation attracted public attention when Lionel Messi was seen crying during a 2026 World Cup match. Messi wept while celebrating his first goal in Argentina's opening match against Algeria, where he scored a hat-trick.
In a post-match press conference, Messi explained that his tears were unrelated to football. He admitted he was going through "a few difficult and complicated days."
A few days later, Messi's family released a statement regarding Jorge's health, announcing that he was undergoing medical treatment.
Jorge's passing is a great loss for Lionel Messi, who throughout his long career received his father's direct support.
Lionel Messi's boyhood club in Argentina, Newell's Old Boys, expressed their condolences on the passing of their superstar father via Instagram.
“Club Atletico Newell's Old Boys bids farewell with deep sorrow and grief to Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 in the city of Rosario,” it said in a statement.
Read: Lionel Messi to Miss 2026 MLS All-Star Game After World Cup
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