Barcelona pays tribute after death of Lionel Messi's father

FC Barcelona has paid tribute to Jorge Messi following the death of Lionel Messi’s father at the age of 68, issuing a statement of condolence and thanks to the family of one of the club’s greatest figures.

Barcelona's message to the Messi family

The Catalan club, where Lionel Messi spent most of his career and established himself as one of football’s defining players, responded publicly after the news emerged. In its statement, Barcelona said the club’s president and board were offering their deepest sympathies following the death of Jorge Messi.

The message was addressed to the Messi family on behalf of the wider Barcelona community, underlining the bond between the club and a family that played such a central role in one of the most important stories in its modern history.

Recognition for Jorge Messi's role

Barcelona’s statement went beyond condolences. The club also acknowledged Jorge Messi’s contribution during the formative years of Lionel Messi’s career, thanking him for his commitment to Barcelona and for the trust he placed in the club at the beginning of his son’s football journey.

It was also a recognition of his presence during the most celebrated period of Lionel Messi’s time at the club, years in which Barcelona and the Argentine forward became inseparable in the eyes of supporters around the world.

Health concerns had been reported for months

According to the source material, Jorge Messi’s health problems had been known for several months. During this year’s World Cup, attention turned to Lionel Messi’s emotional reaction after Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria, a game in which he scored a hat-trick before breaking down in tears after the final whistle.

Argentine media later reported that the emotion was linked to his father’s worsening health. La Opinion said Jorge Messi had been dealing with a serious medical issue and had undergone consultations with specialists in both Argentina and the United States as doctors sought to confirm a diagnosis.

Family had asked for privacy

As speculation around his condition grew, the Messi family released a statement at the time saying Jorge Messi was under medical care and that his condition was showing signs of improvement. The family also made a clear appeal for privacy and criticised what it described as a lack of sensitivity and respect in some of the public discussion surrounding the situation.

On Saturday, August 8, Argentine media reported the tragic news that Jorge Messi had died on Friday evening in a clinic in Rosario. He was 68.