Lionel Messi Hints at Retirement Following the Death of His Father, Jorge

Lionel Messi is weighing his long-term future in professional football following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, according to reports from South American and European sports outlets. Jorge Messi passed away at the age of 68 in a hospital in Rosario, Argentina, after battling an undisclosed illness in recent months. The bereavement has left the Inter Miami player questioning how much longer he will continue playing the sport.

Jorge Messi’s Passing and the Impact on Inter Miami

According to announcements from Newell’s Old Boys, the club where both father and son began their football journeys, Jorge Messi died in Rosario on August 8, 2026.

Despite entering a period of deep personal mourning, Messi returned to the pitch for Inter Miami during their Leagues Cup campaign. Teammates and club officials praised his professionalism during the difficult transition, though the team was subsequently eliminated from the tournament, as detailed by Kompas.com.

A Lifelong Partnership and Career Guidance

Jorge Messi served far beyond the traditional role of a parent; he was the primary architect of his son’s career. As a chemical technician and steel industry worker who once played as a midfielder for Newell’s Old Boys’ youth side before military service interrupted his playing days, Jorge guided Lionel through his formative years in Argentina.

In the early 2000s, Jorge accompanied a young Lionel to Spain for trials at Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy. In a 2007 interview with Radio del Plata, Messi recalled the emotional toll of that relocation, describing how both he and his father would cry in private while trying to maintain a brave face. Jorge consistently acted as his son’s contract negotiator and business manager, overseeing moves to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami, as well as managing a portfolio of investments in hospitality and real estate.

Uncertainty Ahead for the Inter Miami Star

Following Argentina’s campaign at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Messi admitted to struggling emotionally on the pitch while worrying about his father’s failing health in Argentina, the veteran forward has signaled deep hesitation about his playing timeline. Sources close to the player indicate that the emotional weight of losing his primary confidant has cast serious doubt on his remaining years as an active competitor.