Lionel Messi Honors His Late Father Jorge with Heartfelt Tribute
A Touching Farewell
Lionel Messi has shared a poignant tribute to his deceased father, Jorge Messi, highlighting their strong relationship and the significant influence Jorge had on his life and football career. In a moving message, Messi reflected on his father's steadfast support, their mutual aspirations for the World Cup, and the sorrow of his passing, admitting he finds it hard to envision life without him. Jorge Messi, aged 68, passed away in a Rosario clinic after a lengthy illness, leaving the football legend to cope with a profound personal loss.
Emotional Instagram Post
Messi took to Instagram to share a photo with his father, expressing his deep sorrow over Jorge's death. He conveyed his struggle to accept the reality of the loss, feeling that his father departed too soon. Messi reminisced about how Jorge encouraged him to participate in the 2026 World Cup, despite his declining health, while Messi held onto hope that his father would recover in time to witness the final. "Dad, I still can't believe you're gone. It hasn't sunk in--or rather, I don't want it to sink in. It's so hard to imagine that I won't see you again, that we won't talk anymore. I know you were suffering and that this is for the best, but you left too soon. We still had so much left to enjoy together," Messi wrote.
World Cup Journey and Father's Absence
Argentina, the reigning champions, reached the final of the 2026 World Cup but lost to Spain 1-0. Messi played a crucial role in the tournament, scoring eight goals and providing four assists. He expressed that his father's absence became increasingly evident after each match, as he awaited messages from Jorge. Messi had hoped to win the trophy for his father but struggled with his physical limitations. "After every match, I'd wait for your message and miss hearing from you. That's when I realised how serious the situation really was. Even so, I kept thinking about going as far as possible--to buy time so you could see a game. We made it to the final, but you couldn't be there. I wanted to win it so I could bring it to you and show you a new trophy. I couldn't do it; my legs just gave out," he shared.
Reflections on the Future
Messi expressed uncertainty about his future in football and questioned how he would continue without his father's support. He acknowledged that Jorge's greatest joy was witnessing his family's happiness, particularly when watching Messi play. "I don't know what I'm going to do without you; I don't know how to go on. All I ever did was play soccer, and now I have serious doubts about whether I'll keep doing it for much longer. You were by my side from the very beginning, and we were so close to the end. Why couldn't you hold on just a little longer so we could finish this journey together?" he lamented.
A Father Beyond Football
Messi reminisced about how his father supported his football journey from a young age, attending training sessions and never missing a match. He described Jorge as not just a father but also a friend and agent, praising his guidance and wisdom throughout his career. "It was always like that, ever since I was little. You'd take me to every practice right after getting home from work. Mom would take me to many of them because you were working. Of course, you never missed a single match. You suffered so much watching me, yet you enjoyed it too--even if you rarely heaped praise on me. You were a dad, a friend, and an agent. You were always exactly who you needed to be in any given moment," Messi reflected.
Jorge Messi's Impact
Jorge Messi was instrumental in shaping Lionel's football career. After Lionel's rise in football, Jorge became his agent and advisor, having previously worked as a supervisor at a steel factory. He played a crucial role in Lionel's early career at Newell's Old Boys and facilitated his move to Barcelona's youth academy when Lionel was just 13. The club also funded his treatment for a growth hormone deficiency, which was vital for his physical development.
A Lasting Legacy
Messi expressed that he will profoundly miss his father but intends to honor his memory by raising his children with the same values he received. He concluded his tribute by thanking Jorge for everything and asking him to watch over the family. "I'm going to miss you terribly, but you'll always be with me--especially in how I raise my own children, because I'm teaching and bringing them up just the way you and Mom did with me. Rest in peace, and watch over us from up there just as you did down here. Thank you for everything. I love you, Dad," Messi stated.
Appreciation for Support
In his Instagram story, Messi expressed gratitude to fans and supporters for their kindness and respect during this challenging time. He thanked everyone for their messages and gestures, emphasizing the importance of privacy as his family grieves. "I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for all the affection, respect, and immense consideration shown to me and my family during this painful time following my father's passing. Thank you for being there for us, for every message and gesture, and--above all--for respecting our grief and our privacy," he wrote.