Lionel Messi’s father dies at age 68 in Argentina

Buenos Aires: Jorge Messi, the father of soccer ​star Lionel Messi, died ​on Friday night at the age of ​68 at a medical clinic in the Argentine city of Rosario after a long illness, the Argentine footballer's family confirmed to Reuters.

Jorge ‌spent his ⁠final ⁠months alternating between a medical center in Rosario and his home, ​accompanied by his wife Celia and his children Rodrigo, Matias and ​Maria Sol, the family said.

Lionel Messi spent time with his father after the World Cup before rejoining his ​club, Inter Miami, for whom he ⁠returned to ‌action a week ago.


Jorge closely accompanied his ​son Lionel ​throughout his career, beginning with his early ⁠years at Barcelona. He acted as a ​crucial pillar of support and, for several ​years, served as his representative.

"I always needed my dad's approval, ever since I was a kid. After every match, I'd ask him what he thought of how I played," the global soccer star said previously.

During the ‌World Cup, the captain of the Argentine national team experienced mixed emotions after scoring a ​hat trick ​in the opening ⁠match against Algeria, breaking down in tears while celebrating his first goal.

Later, at a press conference, Lionel explained that his ​tears were due to "something unrelated to football" after going through "a few difficult, complicated days."

Days later, the family issued a statement regarding Jorge's "health situation", informing the public that he was undergoing medical treatment.