Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi is mourning the loss of his father, Jorge Messi, who has passed away at the age of 68. The family confirmed the news to Reuters, stating that Jorge died at a hospital in Rosario, Argentina, following a prolonged battle with illness.
Jorge’s health had been in steady decline recently, requiring him to remain under medical care at a local facility and within his home. During his final moments, he was surrounded by his wife, Celia, and his children, Rodrigo, Matias, and Maria Sol.
Jorge played a pivotal role in Lionel’s journey, having been deeply involved in his son’s football development since childhood. He later served as his representative, offering counsel on critical career decisions. Messi has often spoken about their bond, noting in interviews that his father’s approval was vital to him; after every match, he would seek his father’s assessment of his performance.
The emotional toll of Jorge’s illness became a public talking point during the 2026 World Cup. After scoring a hat-trick against Algeria, the Argentine captain was seen in tears. He later clarified that his emotion was not football-related, but stemmed from difficult personal circumstances. Shortly thereafter, the Messi family confirmed Jorge was undergoing medical treatment, requesting privacy and respect while rumors regarding his health circulated.
