Lionel Messi has stepped away from Inter Miami following the death of his father and longtime representative, Jorge Messi, at age 68.
Jorge died in Rosario, Argentina, after battling a prolonged illness, according to Reuters. He had spent his final months receiving medical care while surrounded by his wife, Celia, and their children.
Messi is expected to remain in Argentina with his family for an indefinite period, with no timetable set for his return to Inter Miami.
The loss is especially painful for the soccer icon because Jorge was far more than his father.
He played a central role in Messi’s career from the very beginning, helping move the family from Argentina to Spain when Lionel was just 13 so he could receive treatment for a growth hormone deficiency and pursue an opportunity with Barcelona.
Jorge remained closely involved as Messi rose from a teenage prospect into one of the greatest players in soccer history, later serving as his representative through contract negotiations, moves to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami, and years under the global spotlight.
Lionel Messi and his family gathered in Rosario to bid a final farewell to his father, Jorge Messi, who died on Saturday at the age of 68. Messi arrived from the US with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their children and attended a private ceremony at Cementerio Parque El Prado. pic.twitter.com/aRq9cmNlyA
— Firstpost (@firstpost) August 11, 2026
Concerns about Jorge’s health became public during the World Cup in June.
At the time, the Messi family confirmed that he was undergoing medical treatment for an undisclosed illness and asked for privacy after false reports circulated claiming he had already died.
“Jorge is going through a health situation,” the Messi family said in a statement.
“He is currently under medical observation, recovering and progressing favorably within his current condition,” the statement said.
The family also pleaded for restraint as speculation intensified.
“At times like these, we ask for responsibility, prudence and humanity,” the family said. “A person’s health and the peace of mind of their loved ones should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media interest.”
Jorge’s condition later deteriorated, and Messi traveled back to Rosario to spend time with his family before his father’s death.
Several major soccer organizations and clubs have since paid tribute to Jorge, including Barcelona, Newell’s Old Boys, Real Madrid and the Argentine Football Association.
The Argentine Football Association also announced plans for a moment of silence and black armbands during matches across the country’s soccer divisions in his honor.
Jorge is expected to be laid to rest at El Prado private cemetery near Rosario.
For now, soccer is taking a back seat for Messi as he remains home with the family and mourns the man who helped guide nearly every chapter of his legendary career.
