Lionel Messi Pens Heartfelt ‘Te Amo, Pa’ Tribute to Late Father Jorge Messi on Instagram

Argentine football icon Lionel Messi has broken his silence following the tragic passing of his father, Jorge Messi, by sharing a deeply emotional tribute on his official Instagram account on Wednesday, August 12, 2026. The post, which included a poignant photograph of the father-son duo, featured the heartfelt caption, 'Te amo, pa' (I love you, Dad), as Messi expressed the profound void left by his father's demise. Heartbroken Lionel Messi Lays Father Jorge to Rest at Emotional Rosario Funeral, Photos Go Viral.

Lionel Messi's Emotional Post For Late Father

 

 

 

 

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A Family's Loss in Rosario

Jorge Horacio Messi, 68, passed away on Friday, August 8, 2026, in a medical clinic in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, after battling a prolonged illness. The news sent shockwaves through the football world, prompting an outpouring of condolences from clubs and federations globally. Jorge Messi had spent his final months alternating between medical care and his home, surrounded by his wife, Celia, and their children.

Lionel Messi's Emotional Farewell

In his touching Instagram post, shared with his 515 million followers, Messi, 39, conveyed his disbelief and immense sadness. 'Dad, I still can't believe you're gone. It hasn't sunk in, or rather, I don't want it to sink in," he wrote. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner revealed the personal struggle he faced during the recent 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Argentina finished as runners-up to Spain, while his father's health deteriorated. 'You asked me so much to play in the last World Cup and days before the start was when you got the worst. It was the first time you weren't going to be in a tournament, but mom told me that you were going to be better and that you were going to be fine to be able to travel. I told you that we were going to reach the final so you could travel," Messi recounted. He expressed his deep regret at not being able to win the trophy for his ailing father, stating, 'I wanted to win it to take it and show you a new one. I couldn't, my legs couldn't take it anymore. This time I tried to go against my physique, but I couldn't. I could never feel good." Will Lionel Messi Play Tonight in Inter Miami vs Leon Leagues Cup 2026 Match?.

Jorge Messi's Enduring Legacy

Jorge Messi was not only Lionel's father but also his longtime agent, playing a pivotal role in nurturing his son's extraordinary career from its earliest days. He famously accompanied a 13-year-old Lionel to Barcelona in 2000, ensuring his son's dreams were realized. "I always needed my dad's approval, ever since I was a kid. After every match, I'd ask him what he thought of how I played," Lionel Messi had previously stated. His constant guidance and unwavering support were widely acknowledged as instrumental in Messi's journey to becoming one of the greatest footballers of all time.

Tributes from the Football World

The football community united in grief following Jorge Messi's death. Inter Miami, Messi's current club, paid tribute by observing a moment of silence and having players wear black armbands during their Leagues Cup match against Monterrey on August 8, 2026, at Nu Stadium in Miami, FL, at 8:00 PM ET, which they lost 2-1. Messi was granted leave by the club to travel to Rosario for his father's funeral, missing the match. Former clubs like Barcelona and Newell's Old Boys, along with the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and CONMEBOL, also expressed their deepest condolences, recognizing Jorge's immense contribution to the sport through his son.

Messi is currently in Rosario with his family, mourning the loss of his father. The emotional tribute underscores the deep bond between the football legend and the man who was his earliest and most devoted supporter, leaving an indelible mark on both his personal life and illustrious career.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Aug 12, 2026 06:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).