Lionel Messi returned to Argentina on Saturday following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68. The news was confirmed by Argentine media and Messi’s childhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, who announced the passing of the former football agent and family member. Jorge Messi had been battling a long-term illness, according to reports.

The Inter Miami captain was in Argentina on Saturday night, arriving shortly after the death of his father. The team observed a minute of silence before their Leagues Cup match against Monterrey, which they lost 2-1. Messi did not play in the game, as he was absent due to personal reasons. Inter Miami issued a statement expressing their support for Messi and his family.

Messi’s absence from the match was widely reported by several media outlets, including Arab News and Vanguard News. The emotional loss was also acknowledged by teammates, with one paying a touching tribute to Jorge Messi’s influence in Messi’s career.

The death of Jorge Messi marks a significant personal loss for the football legend, who has now returned home to be with his family during this difficult time.

Sources
  • The Witness | Your compass in the community — Lionel Messi’s father Jorge dies aged 68
  • independent.co.uk — Lionel Messi misses Inter Miami defeat after father’s death as team-mate pays touching tribute
  • Punch Newspapers — Miami lose 2-1 to Monterrey as Messi misses game after father’s death
  • thesouthafrican.com — RIP | Lionel Messi’s father dies
  • Vanguard News — Messi absent after father’s death as Miami lose in Leagues Cup
  • Arab News PK — Messi absent after father’s death as Miami lose in Leagues Cup
  • Al Jazeera — Lionel Messi returns to Argentina after father Jorge’s death
  • nst.com.my — Lionel Messi's father Jorge dies aged 68