Lionel Messi Honors Father Jorge Messi Following Death at Age 68

Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi confirmed the passing of his father, Jorge Messi, in Rosario following a battle with an unspecified illness.

Jorge Messi, the father and longtime agent of Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, died last weekend at a hospital in Rosario, Argentina, at the age of 68. The elder Messi had been undergoing treatment for an unspecified illness in the months leading up to his passing in the central Argentine city. Following the news, Inter Miami suffered two consecutive defeats in the absence of their captain, falling to Monterrey and losing a separate fixture where the club honored the grieving striker. Manager Guillermo Hoyos confirmed on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, that there is currently no established timetable for the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner to return to competitive action.

During the recent World Cup held in North America, Lionel Messi led Argentina to the tournament final, where the squad ultimately lost to Spain. Jorge Messi was unable to attend the competition due to his deteriorating health, marking the first time he was absent from a major tournament during his son's professional career. Despite the physical toll of the event, the 37-year-old forward played every match at his father's request, later revealing that his legs had nothing left to give by the conclusion of the final. At the time of the defeat, Jorge Messi mistakenly believed Argentina had lost the match on penalties.

Family Legacy and Career Impact

Jorge Messi's influence on global soccer began when he relocated to Barcelona with a 13-year-old Lionel to facilitate his development at the Spanish club. Throughout a career that included numerous trophies with Barça and a World Cup title with Argentina, Jorge served as his son's primary representative and confidant. In a social media tribute posted on Wednesday, the Inter Miami star described his father as a man who never made mistakes and was always right. The post emphasized Jorge's role in the education of his grandchildren, a legacy Lionel pledged to continue by teaching his kids the same values he received.

Beyond his famous son, Jorge Messi is survived by his wife, Celia Cuccittini, and three other children: Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol. The family received public condolences from high-profile figures across the sport, including Cristiano Ronaldo, who sent a message of strength to the Messi family. Inter Miami defender Facundo Mura noted that the passing has deeply affected the entire locker room as they navigate the season without their primary playmaker.

Uncertainty Regarding Messi's Future

The loss has prompted Lionel Messi to express significant doubts about his continued participation in professional soccer. Having played with his father by his side since his youth in Rosario, the forward questioned how he would proceed now that their journey together has been cut short. He noted that they spoke daily and saw each other whenever his professional commitments allowed, leaving a void in his routine that has made it difficult to imagine a future on the pitch.

During the World Cup, Messi waited for messages from his father after every game, and the absence of those communications signaled the severity of Jorge's condition. The forward admitted he could not enjoy the tournament because of the situation, despite his efforts to reach the final so his father might travel to see one last match. As the football world awaits news on his return to the MLS, Messi remains focused on his family and the memory of the man who managed his rise to the pinnacle of the sport.