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Messi Returns Home After Father’s Death, Match Uncertain

8/9/2026

Summary

Messi Mourns Father

Lionel Messi and his family flew to Argentina on Saturday, August 9, 2026, after his father Jorge Messi, 68, died in Rosario on August 7, 2026.
A private funeral will be held on Sunday in Perez near Rosario, with clubs FC Barcelona, Inter Miami and Newell’s Old Boys issuing statements honoring Jorge Messi.
After Argentina’s 3-0 World Cup win over Algeria, the 39-year-old Messi became teary-eyed, saying the feeling was unrelated to football.

Summary

Messi Tribute

The Argentine Football Association ordered a nationwide minute of silence and required black armbands for all participants.
CONMEBOL issued a condolence note expressing respect and affection for Lionel Messi after his father’s death.
Jorge Messi acted as Lionel’s agent, negotiating contracts with Barcelona, PSG and Inter Miami and managing his image-rights empire.
Jorge Messi paid over 5 million euros on Aug. 14 to settle the Spanish prosecutors’ 2013 tax-evasion charges.

Summary

Messi May Miss

Inter Miami may play Saturday’s Leagues Cup group match against Monterrey without Lionel Messi, whose participation is uncertain after his father’s death.
The Messi family condemned rumors about Jorge Messi’s health, calling the speculation private and demanding respect for their privacy.
Inter Miami declined comment on Messi’s status while the Argentine Football Association offered solidarity but gave no details on his club commitments.

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Messi Mourns Father

Lionel Messi and his family flew to Argentina on Saturday, August 9, 2026, after his father Jorge Messi, 68, died in Rosario on August 7, 2026.
A private funeral will be held on Sunday in Perez near Rosario, with clubs FC Barcelona, Inter Miami and Newell’s Old Boys issuing statements honoring Jorge Messi.
After Argentina’s 3-0 World Cup win over Algeria, the 39-year-old Messi became teary-eyed, saying the feeling was unrelated to football.

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