Lionel Messi scores emotional first goal since father Jorge Messi's death

Lionel Messi scored his first goal since the death of his father, Jorge Messi, as Inter Miami took a 2-1 lead over Philadelphia Union at half-time on Wednesday. The goal came less than two weeks after the 68-year-old died in Rosario, Argentina.

Lionel Messi scores first goal since father's death

Lionel Messi found the net in the 26th minute at Subaru Park, producing a moment of emotion during a difficult period for the Argentina captain.

The 39-year-old shook off his marker before sending a left-footed effort into the net. His Inter Miami teammates immediately surrounded him to celebrate the goal.


The strike was Lionel Messi's 13th goal of the MLS season, moving him to within one goal of Dallas striker Petar Musa in the race for the Golden Boot. Messi won the award last season.

Inter Miami eventually drew the match 2-2 with Philadelphia Union. Miami entered the game looking to end a three-match losing run, while Philadelphia were chasing a fifth consecutive victory.

Jorge Messi died aged 68 in Rosario

Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi's father and longtime representative, died on August 8, 2026, aged 68, at a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina, following a prolonged illness.

The Messi family had previously confirmed in June that Jorge was receiving medical treatment but did not disclose details of his condition. His death was subsequently confirmed by the family, Inter Miami and other football organisations.

Lionel Messi travelled to Rosario following his father's death before returning to Miami and rejoining Inter Miami. He made his first appearance after the loss on August 12, coming on at half-time against Club León in the Leagues Cup. Inter Miami lost that match 3-2.

Lionel Messi pays emotional tribute to his father

Following Jorge Messi's death, Lionel Messi shared an emotional tribute, reflecting on the close relationship they had throughout his life and football career.

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A post shared by Leo Messi (@leomessi)

Messi described his father as his father, friend and representative, while admitting that he did not know how to continue without him. He also expressed doubts about how much longer he would continue playing football.

The comments came after Inter Miami manager Guillermo Hoyos said the club wanted to give Messi privacy and allow him to deal with his grief in his own way. The coach later said Messi appeared to be at peace and was continuing to perform strongly on the pitch.

Jorge Messi's role in Lionel Messi's football career

Jorge Messi was far more than Lionel Messi's father. He played a central role in his son's football journey and eventually became his agent and adviser.

He was closely involved in Lionel's early years at Newell's Old Boys in Rosario. When Messi was 13, Jorge helped facilitate his move to Spain, where the youngster joined Barcelona's youth academy.

Barcelona also agreed to cover the cost of treatment for Messi's growth hormone deficiency, which had affected his physical development. Messi underwent daily injections during his treatment and eventually reached a height of around 1.70 metres.

As Lionel Messi's career developed, Jorge remained closely involved in contract negotiations, commercial agreements and the wider business side of his son's career. The Guardian described him as a crucial pillar of support who accompanied Messi throughout his rise from a young player in Argentina to one of football's biggest stars.

A father who remained behind the scenes

Jorge Messi worked for years as a supervisor at a metal factory before becoming deeply involved in managing his son's professional career.

He and Lionel's mother, Celia Cuccittini, raised four children: Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol.

Jorge remained an important presence throughout Lionel's career, including during his years at Barcelona, his international career with Argentina and his later move to Inter Miami.

Lionel Messi has previously spoken about how much he valued his father's opinion, including after matches. That relationship made Jorge's death particularly significant for the footballer.


Inputs from agencies