Lionel Messi’s father dies aged 68 after a long illness

What the report says

Jorge Messi, the father of football star Lionel Messi, died on Friday night at the age of 68 in a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina, after a long illness, according to the family cited by Al Jazeera and Reuters. The article says he had spent his final months moving between a medical centre in Rosario and his home, with family members including his wife Celia and children Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol by his side.

The report notes that Lionel Messi had recently spent time with his father after the World Cup before returning to Inter Miami, where he resumed playing a week ago. It also says Jorge had long been an important presence in Messi’s career, accompanying him from his early days at Barcelona and, for several years, serving as his representative.

According to the article, Messi has previously described his father as a key source of support and approval throughout his career. His boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, also posted a tribute saying Jorge’s steady backing and leadership were important to Lionel’s development. In general, the death of a close family figure can carry personal significance for a player whose career and public image have long been closely tied to family support.