Jorge Messi, father of Argentina football legend Lionel Messi, passed away at the age of 68 in his hometown of Rosario on Friday evening, August 7.
According to local media reports, Jorge Messi had been battling pancreatic cancer. News of his serious health condition emerged during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, reportedly d+es at 68 after a long illness. pic.twitter.com/Xg9MDLWPxH
— Instablog9ja (@instablog9ja) August 8, 2026
Jorge Messi was widely regarded as a key figure in shaping his son’s football career, supporting Lionel Messi from his teenage years and later playing an important role in his journey to becoming one of the greatest players in football history.
He managed his son’s career as an advisor and was reportedly involved in major career decisions, including Messi’s moves from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain and later to Inter Miami.
Jorge Messi recently appeared during Argentina’s opening World Cup match against Algeria, where Lionel Messi scored a hat-trick and became emotional after the game.
Reflecting on the emotional moment, Messi said: “It had nothing to do with sports; I’ve been through some difficult and complicated days.”
The Messi family has not yet issued an official statement regarding Jorge Messi’s death.
More read, Messi lands in Argentina after World Cup final defeat
Earlier, just two days after Argentina’s World Cup dream came to a heartbreaking end, Lionel Messi quietly returned to his hometown of Rosario, bringing an emotional close to a tournament in which he once again carried his nation’s hopes.
The Argentina captain arrived at Rosario Airport aboard a private jet at around 6:30 a.m. (09:30 GMT), accompanied by his wife and three children, according to a local government source who spoke to AFP on condition of anonymity.
Video shared by sports broadcaster ESPN showed a grey SUV carrying Messi from the airport to his home in the gated community of Funes, where he usually stays during visits to his native Rosario.
