Real Madrid, Barcelona and Others: How football world paid tribute to Messi’s father

Jorge Messi, the father and longtime representative of Lionel Messi, has been mourned by clubs and football organisations worldwide following his death at age 68.

Jorge died in Rosario, Argentina, on Friday, August 7, 2026, after a prolonged illness.

He played a major role in Lionel’s development and remained closely involved in his career, from his early days in Argentina to his rise at Barcelona and later moves to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.

Real Madrid was among the clubs to express condolences, extending sympathy to Lionel Messi and the entire Messi family.

Lionel Messi's dad confirmed dead

Barcelona, where Lionel became a global superstar, also paid tribute to Jorge and recognised his importance in his son’s extraordinary journey.

Newell’s Old Boys, the Rosario club where Messi began his football journey as a youngster, also mourned Jorge. The club had a particularly strong connection to the Messi family, with Jorge having been involved with Newell’s during his son’s formative years.

Inter Miami, Messi’s current club, also expressed its support for their captain and his family.

“Our heart is with our captain, Leo, and the entire Messi family,” the club said.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced that all football divisions in the country would observe a minute of silence and players would wear black armbands in Jorge’s memory.

CONMEBOL, Boca Juniors, River Plate and other football institutions also joined the tributes, reflecting Jorge’s influence on one of football’s most celebrated careers.

Checkout some of the tributes below:

#ProfundoDolor La Asociación del Fútbol Argentino, con su Presidente Claudio Tapia a la cabeza, lamenta con tristeza y pesar el fallecimiento de Jorge Messi, padre de nuestro capitán y emblema, Lionel Messi.

Desde aquí acompañamos a toda la familia en este duro momento y le… pic.twitter.com/YTug2MnM9g
— AFA (@afa) August 8, 2026

El Club Atlético Boca Juniors lamenta con profundo dolor el fallecimiento de Jorge Messi.

Acompañamos a su familia y seres queridos en este difícil momento, enviándoles nuestro absoluto cariño y más sinceras condolencias.

Estamos con vos, Leo. pic.twitter.com/8iiVzVLtLl
— Boca Juniors (@BocaJrsOficial) August 8, 2026

Our deepest condolences. May Jorge Messi rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/PPSTTjHki1
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 8, 2026

Comunicado Oficial: fallecimiento de Jorge Messi, padre de Leo Messi.
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadrid) August 8, 2026

El Club Atlético Newell's Old Boys despide con profundo dolor y pesar a Jorge Messi, quien falleció a los 68 años de edad en la ciudad de Rosario.

Reconocido hincha leproso, empresario y padre del capitán del seleccionado argentino, Lionel Andrés Messi.

Jorge fue el sostén y la… pic.twitter.com/8dFPMRdM9Z
— Newell’s Old Boys (@Newells) August 8, 2026