Jorge Messi, the father of Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68.
Jorge reportedly died on Friday night, August 8, at a medical facility in Rosario, Argentina, after battling a prolonged illness and had been receiving medical care for a health condition.
The news comes less than two months after Lionel Messi became emotional during Argentina’s 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, prompting widespread speculation about his father’s health.
After scoring against Algeria in Argentina’s opening World Cup match in June, Messi was visibly emotional. Asked about the tears after the game, the Argentina captain said they were unrelated to football and that he had experienced “a few difficult days.”
Messi Family Earlier Confirmed Jorge’s Health Problems in June
Jorge Messi’s family publicly addressed concerns about his health and urged the media and the public to respect his privacy.
On June 18, the Messi family confirmed that Lionel Messi’s father was receiving medical attention after reports about his condition began circulating. The family said Jorge was under medical supervision and recovered at the time.
“The Messi family informs that Jorge Messi is currently going through a health situation. At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favorably within the condition he is experiencing,” the family said in the statement.
The family also pushed back against reports, rumors and speculation about Jorge’s condition, saying there had been a lack of sensitivity and discretion in how the private matter was being discussed.
It emphasized that only Jorge’s immediate family had accurate information about his health and urged the public not to treat information that did not come directly from the family or its official channels as reliable.
“Only Jorge’s immediate family has real and accurate information regarding his condition,” the family said, adding that any information that did not come directly from them “should not be considered valid or truthful.”
The family further appealed for privacy as Jorge underwent treatment, saying his health and the well-being of his loved ones should not become the subject of speculation.
“At times like these, we ask for responsibility, prudence, and humanity,” the statement said.
Jorge Messi will be remembered as a key figure behind Lionel Messi’s remarkable football career, guiding his son through a journey that took him from Rosario in Argentina to Barcelona, Paris and Miami.
Lionel Messi began his football journey with Newell’s Old Boys in his hometown of Rosario, and the Argentine club has paid an emotional tribute to Jorge following his death.
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