Lionel Messi has broken his public silence following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at a hospital in Rosario, Argentina. The Inter Miami star shared an emotional statement on Instagram, marking his first public comments since the tragedy.
Messi's First Public Statement Since His Father's Passing
In the Instagram post, Messi confirmed that it was his father who encouraged him to play one last World Cup, despite his father's declining health. Messi revealed he promised his father he would reach the final, hoping his father's condition would improve enough to attend. Although Messi kept his promise, his father was unable to watch the match.
The Argentina captain and his family had flown from Miami to Rosario to attend a private funeral ceremony, away from public view. Until this post, Messi had remained silent on social media and in public appearances.
Emotional Tribute: 'You Were My Dad, My Friend, and My Representative'
In his tribute, Messi wrote: "You were my dad, my friend, and my representative. You always knew exactly who you needed to be in every moment, and you were never wrong about anything. Despite some arguments or disagreements, you were always right. In the end, things always turned out the way you said they would."
He continued: "I’m going to miss you so much, but you’ll always be present, especially in the way I raise my children, because I teach them and raise them the way you and Mom raised me. Rest in peace and watch over us from above, just as you did here. Thank you for everything. I love you, Dad. ❤️"
Impact and Legacy
Jorge Messi had been battling illness for a long time, and his death came just days after the 2026 FIFA World Cup final held in the USA, Mexico, and Canada. Messi's father was not only a parent but also his representative, playing a key role in his career. The emotional message underscores the close bond between father and son, and Messi's commitment to honoring his father's memory through his own parenting.
