Lionel Messi has thanked fans and the football community for standing by him and his family after the death of his father, Jorge Messi, aged 68. The football star described the period as an extremely painful time for his family. Jorge, who played a major role in managing Messi’s career and business affairs, died in Rosario, Argentina, on August 7. His death prompted tributes from several major football clubs and organisations, including Newell’s Old Boys, Barcelona and Argentina.
Messi missed Inter Miami’s match against Monterrey after returning to Argentina following his father’s death. Days later, the 39-year-old footballer addressed supporters on social media. He expressed gratitude for their messages, kindness and respect for his family’s privacy while they mourned their loss. He also shared a photograph with Jorge and dedicated a short emotional message to his late father.
Lionel Messi pays emotional tribute to father Jorge
Messi said he was deeply grateful for the support shown to him and his family during their difficult period. He acknowledged the many messages and gestures of sympathy he had received. The Argentina captain also thanked people for allowing his family to grieve privately and for respecting their personal space.
The footballer accompanied his message with a photograph of himself and Jorge. He wrote that he loved his father, adding to the emotional tribute for the man who had remained one of the most important figures in his life.
Jorge was not only Messi’s father. He was also closely involved in his son’s professional career. He served as Messi’s agent and helped manage many aspects of his business affairs. He remained involved as the footballer moved from Argentina to Spain and later to France and the United States.
Jorge’s death came after months of concern about his health. His condition had previously been kept largely private by the Messi family. Reports suggested that he suffered a medical episode at his home in January and was subsequently taken to hospital.
He reportedly underwent cardiovascular and neurological examinations. However, the family did not publicly reveal a confirmed diagnosis.
Concerns about Jorge’s health became more visible during the 2026 World Cup. Messi was seen crying on the pitch after scoring a hat-trick against Algeria in Argentina’s opening group match. When asked about his emotions, he indicated that the reason was unrelated to football and that he and his family had been experiencing a difficult period.
Argentine journalist Eduardo Feinmann later reported that Messi’s father had been unwell for some time. He said Jorge’s health had deteriorated during the period leading up to the tournament and that Messi was dealing with the situation emotionally.
Jorge had been beside Messi throughout his remarkable career. He helped guide the youngster from Newell’s Old Boys to Barcelona’s La Masia academy in 2000. Messi went on to spend 21 extraordinary years with Barcelona before moving to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. He later joined Inter Miami.
Jorge also supported his son during difficult moments away from football. He was involved in Messi’s business affairs during the player’s Spanish tax case.
The father and son remained closely connected throughout Messi’s career. Jorge’s death has therefore marked a deeply personal loss for one of football’s greatest stars.
