The last photo Lionel Messi shared with his father on social media: “A big hug”

The football world mourns the passing of Jorge Messi, father of global icon Lionel Messi, who died at the age of 68. He passed away early Saturday morning, August 8, at a clinic in Rosario where he had been receiving treatment for a serious health condition.

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Thank you very much for all the greetings and congratulations! Sending you a big hug!

Jorge Messi was not only a key figure in supporting his son's remarkable career but also his staunchest advocate. The profound bond between father and son was evident in the last photograph Lionel shared on Instagram, featuring them together during Lionel's 38th birthday celebration on June 25, 2025. The image captured a moment of shared happiness, with Lionel embracing his father and mother, Celia Cuccittini, surrounded by his wife and children.

His delicate health became public knowledge during the 2026 World Cup. Unlike previous tournaments, neither Jorge nor Celia traveled to support Lionel. Following Argentina's debut match, Lionel Messi became emotional, explaining his tears were due to "something outside of sports" and acknowledging a "difficult and complicated" period. This led to speculation about his father's condition.

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We express our deep discomfort with the lack of sensitivity, respect, and scruples with which some people have treated a strictly private and family matter.

Amidst the rumors, the Messi family issued a statement expressing their "deep discomfort with the lack of sensitivity, respect, and scruples with which some people have treated a strictly private and family matter." The statement confirmed he was experiencing a "health situation" and was "under medical supervision."

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He is going through a health situation and is under medical supervision.