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

Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge, has died aged 68 after a long illness, his family has confirmed.

Jorge died on Friday night at a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina. He had spent his final months moving between the medical centre and the family home in the city, accompanied by his wife Celia and their children Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol.

Messi is expected to travel to Rosario at about 20:00 local time on Saturday on a private flight from Miami. A source close to the family said the footballer would attend a private wake to say goodbye to his father.

The 39-year-old forward spent time with Jorge after the World Cup in North America before returning to Inter Miami. Messi made his comeback for the club a week ago.

Jorge was a constant presence throughout his son’s career, including Messi’s formative years at Barcelona. He became an important source of support and acted as Messi’s representative for several years.

“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,” Messi said previously.

Messi’s emotions during the World Cup had already prompted questions about his father’s condition. After scoring a hat-trick in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria, the captain broke down in tears while celebrating his first goal.

At a later news conference, Messi said the tears had been caused by “something unrelated to football” and that he had experienced “a few difficult, complicated days.”

Several days later, his family released a statement about Jorge’s “health situation” and confirmed that he was receiving medical treatment.

Jorge’s remains are expected to be taken on Sunday to El Prado private cemetery in Perez, a town close to Rosario, according to reports from local media.

Condolences have been sent by several clubs, including Real Madrid and Newell’s Old Boys, the club where Messi began his youth career. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) also expressed its sympathy to the family.

The AFA said a minute’s silence would be held at matches across every division in Argentina. Players, coaches and referees will also wear black armbands.

“From here, we stand in solidarity with the entire family during this difficult time and send the most heartfelt, warm, and affectionate embrace. Strength to you all,” the AFA said in a statement.

Barcelona, where Messi made his senior debut in 2004 and played until leaving in 2021, said: “FC Barcelona thanks Jorge Messi for his commitment to our club, for entrusting us with the beginning and the most glorious years of his son Leo’s football career.”

Messi’s current club Inter Miami have not immediately responded to a request for comment. They are scheduled to face Monterrey in the Leagues Cup group stage later on Saturday.