Messi’s father, Jorge, sadly passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2026 at an hospital in Rosario, Argentina, after a prolonged battle with undisclosed illness. Lionel Messi and his father after the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Ronaldo sends message to MessiCristiano Ronaldo shared a comment under Messi’s post on Instagram, which paid tribute to his late father and representative. The post generated massive reaction on social media, with many fans applauding the touch of class from Ronaldo to the man they enjoyed football rivalry together. Messi breaks silence after father's deathLegit.ng previously reported that Lionel Messi broke his silence on social media for the first time since his father Jorge passed away at the age of 68.