Philanthropic legacy of Jorge Messi

Following the death of Jorge Messi on August 8 at age 68, tributes have highlighted his philanthropic contributions. In San Juan, the Fundación Solydar held a ceremony to honor his legacy, specifically noting the impact of the Leo Messi Foundation on children's communities through sports, education, and health programs. Past initiatives included providing school kits and toys in Médano de Oro and supporting children undergoing cancer treatments.

Further details regarding his medical philanthropy have emerged, specifically his role in facilitating a specialized training network for bone marrow transplant professionals. Inspired by the health challenges faced by his son, Lionel Messi, Jorge Messi reportedly coordinated with the municipality of Rosario to enable medical staff from Rosario’s Hospital Videla to undergo advanced training at the Hospital Vall d’Hebron in Barcelona, Spain. Dr. Jorge Tartaglione confirmed this initiative involved organizing rotations and stays for doctors and nurses.

In Rosario, Víctor J. Vilela, a representative assisting the Hospital de Niños de Rosario, noted the family’s history of supporting public health in the Santa Fe province. Contributions have included funding bone marrow transplant teams and the near-total reconstruction of the hospital's oldest sector, Room 1. Following the completion of the Oncohematology Day Hospital—an investment of 1,021 million pesos—the foundation has launched a new fundraising campaign. This initiative aims to raise approximately 420,000 dollars by the end of the year to expand the hospital's bone marrow transplant area.

Amidst the mourning period, Lionel Messi returned to professional play with Inter Miami during a Leagues Cup match against Club León. Despite a 2-3 loss and elimination from the tournament, teammate Casemiro praised Messi's commitment to the club.