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Lionel Messi‘s family is mourning a terrible loss.

On Saturday (August 8), ESPN confirmed that the 39-year-old Argentine soccer player’s father Jorge Messi has died. Jorge, who was also his son’s agent, died Friday (August 7) at a hospital in his native Rosario, Argentina, after a prolonged illness.

The Messi family had kept Jorge‘s health battle private until the beginning of the 2026 World Cup just a few months ago.

After scoring in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria on June 16, Lionel became as emotional as he spoke with reporters, saying his tears “had nothing to do with football.”

“Honestly, completely unrelated to the sport,” he told reporters following the match, per The Athletic. “I went through some difficult, complicated days.”

The Messi family then released a statement revealing Jorge‘s health woes, while also slamming false narratives surrounding the patriarch.

“The Messi family informs that Jorge is going through a health-related situation,” the Messi family said in a June 18 statement. “At this time, he is under medical care, recovering and evolving favorably given the condition he is experiencing.”

“In light of the rumors, speculation, and reports that have circulated in recent hours,” the statement continued, “the family would like to express its deep disappointment over the lack of sensitivity, respect, and decency with which some individuals have treated what is strictly a private family matter.”

Jorge is survived by his wife, Celia, and his four children: Lionel and his two older brothers, Rodrigo and Matías, and Lionel‘s younger sister, María Sol.

Our thoughts are with the Messi family during this difficult time. RIP.

The post Lionel Messi’s Father Jorge Dies at 68 Following Private Health Battle appeared first on Just Jared - Celebrity News and Gossip | Entertainment.