Overview
- Jorge Messi died on 7 August in a clinic in Rosario and was buried in Pérez in a private family ceremony, according to multiple reports.
- Lionel Messi published a two‑page Instagram farewell that said his father's illness shadowed Argentina's World Cup run and that he now has “big doubts” about continuing to play.
- Messi wrote that his father urged him to play the 2026 World Cup and that physical problems affected his performance in the final against Spain.
- Jorge acted as Lionel's adviser from his youth and negotiated major moves, including transfers to Paris Saint‑Germain and Inter Miami, qualities Messi highlighted in his tribute.
- The post drew millions of likes and condolences from peers, and Messi briefly returned to play for Inter Miami after attending the funeral while making no formal retirement decision.