articleThe Brief Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge, died at age 68 after a long illness. Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge, died on Friday night at the age of 68 following a lengthy illness, the footballer’s family confirmed to Reuters. Lionel Messi spent time with his father following the World Cup in North America before returning to Inter Miami. Jorge played an important role throughout Lionel’s football career, supporting him from his early days at Barcelona. Inter Miami, Messi’s current club, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.