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Jorge Messi Dies at 68
Lionel Messi broke his silence after his father, Jorge Messi, died at 68 in Rosario, Argentina, and he said his father was unable to see him play in the 2026 World Cup.
“Jorge Messi, died on Aug. 7 in Rosario, Argentina”
In an Aug. 12 Instagram tribute, Messi wrote, “Dad, I still can’t believe you’re gone. It hasn’t really sunk in — or rather, I don’t want it to.”
Messi described how Jorge’s health took a turn for the worse just days before the 2026 World Cup began, making it the first time his father would not be at a tournament.
He added that after every match he would wait for his father’s message, and that “That’s when I realized just how serious the situation really was.”
The BBC reported that a private funeral took place on Sunday at a cemetery in the town of Perez, on the outskirts of Rosario, after Messi returned home with his family following Jorge’s death in a hospital in Rosario.
Doubts About Playing On
Messi said he was unsure how much longer he would continue playing, writing, “I don’t know how to carry on. All I ever did was play football, and now I’m really not sure if I’ll carry on doing it for much longer.”
The New York Times reported that Messi posted the emotional statement on Wednesday and quoted him saying, “All I ever did was play football, and now I have a fair few doubts as to whether I’ll carry on doing it for much longer.”
In the same tribute, Messi said he wanted to win the World Cup so he could take a trophy to Jorge, but “my legs just gave out,” and he said he tried to push past his physical limits but “I couldn’t.”
The BBC said Messi captained Argentina as they led to the 2026 World Cup final, which his side lost 1-0 to Spain, before returning to club side Inter Miami.
After the death, Cristiano Ronaldo also sent support, writing, “A huge hug to you and your loved ones during these difficult times, Leo. Stay Strong.”
Family, Club, and Tributes
Messi’s father had been described as his long-time agent, and the BBC said Jorge watched him become one of the sport’s greatest ever players after serving as his agent since he was 14.
“Jorge had been the Argentina forward's agent since he was 14”
The Guardian reported that Messi’s doubts about his football future followed his father’s death, and it quoted Messi writing, “I don’t know what I’m going to do without you. I don’t know how to move forward.”
The BBC said Messi returned home with his family after Jorge passed away in a hospital in his hometown of Rosario, and it described a private funeral in Perez on the outskirts of Rosario.
Heavy reported that Messi returned to Argentina to be with his family and attend private funeral proceedings, and it said he was granted indefinite leave and would not return to the United States until he was ready.
In Miami, Football365 said Inter Miami head coach Guillermo Hoyos described the news as “a huge tragedy, a source of great pain,” and it noted the club observed an emotional minute of silence before kickoff at the Nu Stadium in Miami with Jorge’s name on the screens.
