Lionel Messi reflects on father's impact during World Cup run
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 12, 2026, 4:21 PM
Last updated Aug 12, 2026
Lionel Messi shared an emotional tribute to his late father, Jorge, following Argentina's journey to the FIFA World Cup final. Jorge, who died at age 68 just before the tournament, had been a crucial influence on Messi's career. Messi described a promise made to his father to reach the final, which intensified his efforts despite being physically strained. The tournament concluded with Argentina's loss to Spain in the final. Messi recounted his struggle to focus on the games while grieving, expressing deep sadness that Jorge could not witness his son's performance.
- •Lionel Messi's father, Jorge, passed away before the World Cup.
- •Messi committed to reaching the final for his father's sake.
- •Argentina ultimately lost 1-0 to Spain in the final.
- •Messi felt the weight of competition while dealing with his father's illness.
- •Jorge played a pivotal role in brokering Messi's career moves.
- 4:21 PMYahoo Sports — How Jorge Messi inspired Lionel's FIFA World Cup Final run with Argentina
- 3:37 PMAssociated Press — Lionel Messi shares tribute to late father Jorge, expresses doubts about continuing to play soccer - AP News
"Lionel Messi has shared a tribute to his late father, Jorge, on social media, opening up about how difficult it was to lead Argentina to the World Cup final and expressing uncertainty about whether he will continue playing soccer. Jorge Messi played a fundame…
"Lionel Messi has paid an emotional tribute to his late father Jorge, who died last week at age 68, sharing a heartfelt World Cup promise that drove Argentina's run to the Final
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 12, 2026, 4:21 PMHow Jorge Messi inspired Lionel's FIFA World Cup Final run with Argentina
Lionel Messi has paid an emotional tribute to his late father Jorge, who died last week at age 68, sharing a heartfelt World Cup promise that drove Argentina's run to the Final
- Associated PressAug 12, 2026, 3:37 PMLionel Messi shares tribute to late father Jorge, expresses doubts about continuing to play soccer - AP News
Lionel Messi has shared a tribute to his late father, Jorge, on social media, opening up about how difficult it was to lead Argentina to the World Cup final and expressing uncertainty about whether he will continue playing soccer. Jorge Messi played a fundame…
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