Argentina legend Lionel Messi suffered a major personal loss as his father, Jorge, passed away at the age of 68, following a prolonged battle with illness. As per reports, Jorge passed away on Friday at 10pm local time, in a local clinic at Messi’s hometown of Rosario, where he was undergoing treatment of his chronic illness. Messi’s father played a key role in his career and remained involved from his early days to becoming the football stalwart that he is today.
The news was later confirmed by Messi’s boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, who released a statement. The statement from Old Boys read, "Club Atltico 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. Recognized leproso fan, businessman, and father of the Argentine national team captain, Lionel Andrs Messi.”
El Club Atlético Newell's Old Boys despide con profundo dolor y pesar a Jorge Messi, quien falleció a los 68 años de edad en la ciudad de Rosario. Reconocido hincha leproso, empresario y padre del capitán del seleccionado argentino, Lionel Andrés Messi. Jorge fue el sostén y la… pic.twitter.com/8dFPMRdM9Z
— Newell’s Old Boys (@Newells) August 8, 2026
It added, "Club Atltico 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. Recognized leproso fan, businessman, and father of the Argentine national team captain, Lionel Andrs Messi. Thank you for teaching him to love these colors. The Board of Directors, members, athletes, and the entire leprosa family embrace with affection Celia, Lionel, Rodrigo, Matas, and Mara Sol, and all their loved ones and close ones in this difficult moment. Farewell forever, leproso.”
In additional, Barcelona also released an official statement that read, “The President and the Board of Directors of FC Barcelona express their deepest condolences on the passing of Jorge Messi, father of former Barça player and legend Lionel Messi, and, on behalf of the entire Barça family, extend their condolences to the Messi family.”
“FC Barcelona thanks Jorge Messi for his commitment to our Club, for entrusting us with the beginnings and the most glorious years of his son Leo's football career.
May he rest in peace.”
X Floods with Emotional Tributes to Lionel Messi’s Late Father
As soon as the news of Lionel Messi’s father passing broke, the social media was taken by storm, where fans and the football fraternity paid their emotional tributes. Not only this, but they also sent in their condolences to the footballer and the rest of the family, praying for strength.
The Ballon d’Or extends its heartfelt condolences to Lionel Messi and his family following the passing of his father, Jorge Messi. Rest in peace. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/1EH6ublYUN
— Ballon d'Or (@ballondor) August 8, 2026
Em 2023, Lionel Messi pediu 8 pizzas no Banchero, restaurante argentino em Miami. 🍕 O dono decidiu entregar pessoalmente o pedido e, como homenagem ao capitão da Argentina, se recusou a cobrar Messi. Horas depois, Messi publicou algumas histórias do restaurante no Instagram.… pic.twitter.com/6n5CS7WQ6z
— Luiz Carlos Largo (@LARGOESPN) August 8, 2026
At the age of 68, after a long battle with a serious illness, Jorge Horacio Messi, Leo Messi’s father, has passed away, confirms @DiarioOle 💔😓 "His health had been deteriorating for some time. He fought through his illness both during and after the World Cup. That is why,… pic.twitter.com/jCa8FIcJCX
— All About Argentina 🛎🇦🇷 (@AlbicelesteTalk) August 8, 2026
🇦🇷 Jorge Messi, father and lifelong agent of Lionel Messi, has died at 68. He passed away yesterday at a hospital in Rosario, Argentina, after a long illness. His old club Newell's Old Boys confirmed it, calling him the man who, alongside his wife Celia, built the career of the… pic.twitter.com/D2LQU5c9h0
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) August 8, 2026
Notably, Leo Messi and the family haven't said anything about it.
