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Messi Says Father and Agent Jorge Messi Died

8/12/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Lionel Messi announced that his father and agent Jorge Messi died at age 68 on August 7.
He said he does not know what he will do without his father and doubts his ability to play longer.
Messi added that his legs could not give more in the final, which Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain.
His Inter Miami contract runs through 2028, but his future now appears uncertain.

History

Historical Context

In 2015 Diego Maradona’s father, Diego “Chitoro” Maradona (1927-2015), died, and the former star later endured the deaths of brothers Diego in 2020 and Hugo in 2021, making three close family deaths. The succession of personal losses among Argentina’s football icons underscores the sport’s increasing focus on player-family welfare, a concern that draws attention from FIFA and CONMEBOL.

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Story summary

Lionel Messi announced that his father and agent Jorge Messi died at age 68 on August 7.
He said he does not know what he will do without his father and doubts his ability to play longer.
Messi added that his legs could not give more in the final, which Argentina lost 1-0 to Spain.
His Inter Miami contract runs through 2028, but his future now appears uncertain.

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