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Live sport on SN this weekendMessi's father passes away in Argentina after long illness
Reuters • August 9th, 2026 10:41 am
Soccer superstar Lionel Messi had a close bond with his father Jorge, who has died in Argentina | Photo: AP
Lionel Messi's father, Jorge, has passed away aged 68 at a medical clinic in the Argentine city of Rosario after a long illness.
Jorge spent his final months alternating between a medical centre in Rosario and his home, accompanied by his wife Celia and his children Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol, the family confirmed after his death on Friday night.
Lionel Messi spent time with his father after the World Cup in North America before rejoining his club Inter Miami, for whom he returned to action a week ago.
He was expected to arrive in Rosario on Saturday (Sunday NZT) on a private flight from Miami to bid farewell to his father at a private wake, according to a source close to the footballer's family.
Jorge closely accompanied 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.
Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi will return to Argentina to bid farewell to his father | Photo: AP
"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 39-year-old had said previously.
During the World Cup, the Argentine captain 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.
