Archive · 11 Aug 2026
Lionel Messi Steps Away From Football After Father Jorge's Death
Lionel Messi is one of the best football players in the world.
Very sadly, his father, Jorge Messi, passed away at the age of 68 after being sick for a long time.
Jorge died at a clinic in the city of Rosario in Argentina.
Messi flew home from the United States with his wife, Antonela, and their children to be with his family.
A private farewell ceremony was held at El Prado cemetery in the nearby town of Pérez.
Fans left flowers and signs that said 'Stay strong, Leo.'
Jorge helped Messi a lot in his career.
When Messi was 13, Jorge helped him move to Spain to join Barcelona's youth academy.
Messi's club, Inter Miami, told him he can decide when to return, so nobody knows when he will play again.
Right now, Messi is taking a break from football to focus on his family.
Lionel Messi has reportedly taken an indefinite break from football, with no return date announced, after the death of his father, Jorge Messi.
Jorge Messi, 68, died at a clinic in Rosario, Argentina, after a prolonged illness and had been under medical observation, preventing him from attending FIFA World Cup games.
Messi flew from the United States on a private chartered plane on Saturday, August 8, accompanied by his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their children, to attend a private farewell ceremony at El Prado cemetery in Pérez.
Messi missed Inter Miami's 2-1 Leagues Cup loss to Monterrey on Saturday night; the club faces León on Wednesday and returns to MLS play on August 15.
Inter Miami gave Messi the freedom to decide when he returns, and Newell's Old Boys paid tribute to Jorge as 'the pillar' behind the career of 'the greatest player of all time.'
- Who
- Lionel Messi, eight-time Ballon d'Or winner and Inter Miami forward; his father, Jorge Messi (68); Messi's wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their children; football clubs Inter Miami and Newell's Old Boys.
- What
- Messi reportedly took an indefinite break from football with no return date set, following his father's death.
- When
- Reports differ on the exact date: Jorge's death was reported as Friday, days before Messi traveled on Saturday, August 8, 2026, though one report says Jorge died on Saturday; the funeral was held Sunday, August 9, 2026, with one report saying the family gathered on Monday.
- Where
- Rosario and the nearby town of Pérez, Argentina; Messi flew from the United States, departing from Fort Lauderdale and landing at Islas Malvinas Airport in Fisherton.
- Why
- To mourn and focus on his family following his father's death after a prolonged illness.
- Deceased
- Jorge Messi, father of Lionel Messi
- Age at death
- 68
- Death circumstances
- Died at a clinic in Rosario after a prolonged illness; had been under medical observation and unable to attend FIFA World Cup games
- Break from football
- Indefinite pause from professional commitments; no return date announced
- Inter Miami's stance
- Club gave Messi the freedom to decide when he returns to the United States
- Trip home
- Private chartered flight from Fort Lauderdale on August 8 to Islas Malvinas Airport in Fisherton, with wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their children
- Funeral
- Private ceremony at Cementerio Parque El Prado in Pérez, near Rosario, with close family and a few Argentina teammates
- Tribute
- Newell's Old Boys described Jorge as 'the pillar' who supported the career of 'the greatest player of all time'
Sources
Messi To Retire? Inter Miami Star Takes Break From Football After Father Jorge's Death
Lionel Messi Takes Indefinite Break From Football To Focus On Family: Report
Has Lionel Messi taken an indefinite break from football? What we know about his Inter Miami return
