Argentina sends message of support to Lionel Messi and family after his father’s passing

Lionel Messi is receiving an outpouring of support after his father, Jorge Messi, passed away Friday at a clinic in Rosario at the age of 68 following a long illness.

Among the tributes was a message from Argentina’s national team. “Stay strong, Leo Messi and family. We are with you in this difficult moment. We send you our most heartfelt embrace,” the message read.

Messi has since reportedly traveled to Argentina to be with his mother, Celia, and his siblings, stepping away from his soccer commitments during this difficult time.

He is expected not to feature in Inter Miami’s squad for their Leagues Cup clash against Monterrey, and it remains unclear when he’ll return to action, with his comeback expected to depend entirely on his family’s needs in the coming days rather than any fixed timeline.

Barcelona also pay tribute

FC Barcelona also joined the wave of condolences, releasing an official statement on behalf of the club’s president and board of directors to honor Jorge Messi’s legacy and offer their support to the Messi family.

“Our deepest condolences. May Jorge Messi rest in peace. The President and the Board of Directors of FC Barcelona express their deepest condolences on the passing of Jorge Messi, father of former Barça player and legend Lionel Messi, and, on behalf of the entire Barça family, extend their condolences to the Messi family,” the statement read.

“FC Barcelona thanks Jorge Messi for his commitment to our Club, for entrusting us with the beginnings and the most glorious years of his son Leo’s football career,” it concluded.