Lionel Messi mourns the loss of his father Jorge Messi

On August 7, 2026, Jorge Messi, the father of football legend Lionel Messi, passed away at the age of 68 in a clinic in Rosario following a long battle with a serious illness. The death of his father, who had been a constant presence throughout his career, has deeply affected the Argentine star.

Following the news, reports emerged suggesting that Lionel Messi decided to put his professional football career on hold indefinitely to remain in Argentina with his family. While some sources claim he has paused his career, there has been no official statement from the player or his representatives to verify these retirement or leave-of-absence claims.

In a public tribute posted on social media, Lionel Messi shared an emotional message reflecting on his father's support during his career, including his absence from the final of the most recent World Cup. The football community has expressed its condolences, with Cristiano Ronaldo publicly sending a message of support to Messi, acknowledging the personal difficulty of losing a parent.