Argentina’s national team rallies behind Lionel Messi after his father’s death

Argentina’s national team posted a heartfelt message for Lionel Messi after his father, Jorge Messi, died on Friday at a clinic in Rosario, aged 68 following a long illness, offering strength to Leo and his family as the star steps away from his Inter Miami duties.

Messi has been receiving an outpouring of support after his father, Jorge Messi, died on Friday at a clinic in Rosario, aged 68 following a long illness. The Argentine icon’s loss has prompted messages from teammates, former coaches and fans worldwide.

Among the tributes, Argentina’s national team posted a message that read, “Stay strong, Leo Messi and family. We are with you in this difficult moment. We send you our most heartfelt embrace.” The statement was shared on the team’s official social media account on August 8, 2026.

Messi has reportedly travelled to Argentina to be with his mother, Celia, and his siblings, stepping away from his soccer commitments during this difficult period. He has paused his involvement with Inter Miami as he attends to family matters.

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