Lionel Messi’s father died aged 68 after a long illness in Rosario, Argentina. Jorge Messi was his son’s longtime agent, adviser and one of the central figures behind his football career, as Baltimore Chronicle notes.
Jorge Messi died in Rosario after a long illness
Jorge Messi died on Friday evening, August 7, at a medical clinic in Rosario. Gazzetta dello Sport reported that he died at around 10 p.m. after battling an illness.
The death was also confirmed by Newell’s Old Boys. The Rosario club described Jorge as a crucial supporter throughout Lionel’s journey from childhood to global football.
Argentina’s football association also paid tribute to him. The AFA ordered a minute’s silence before matches and black armbands across Argentine football. Its flags will remain at half-mast until August 14.
Who was Jorge Messi?
Jorge was far more than Lionel Messi’s father. He became his representative and handled major decisions throughout the Argentine star’s career.
His role included:
- supporting Lionel during his early years in Rosario;
- accompanying him to Barcelona as a teenager;
- representing him during contract negotiations;
- remaining a close adviser throughout his professional career.
That relationship extended well beyond football. Lionel previously told Reuters that he had sought his father’s approval since childhood and regularly asked what he thought about his performances.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Full name | Jorge Horacio Messi |
| Age | 68 |
| Place of death | Rosario, Argentina |
| Date | August 7, 2026 |
| Wife | Celia Cuccittini |
| Children | Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol |
Newell’s said Jorge and Celia helped support every stage of Lionel’s career. The club called his behind-the-scenes leadership fundamental to the player’s development.
Lionel Messi’s father had been receiving medical treatment
Concerns about Jorge Messi’s health intensified during the 2026 World Cup. In June, the family confirmed that he was under medical observation and receiving treatment. At that stage, they said his condition had a positive prognosis.
Lionel Messi had also appeared unusually emotional during the tournament. His family later criticised speculation surrounding Jorge’s health and asked for greater respect for their privacy.
Jorge is survived by his wife Celia Cuccittini and their children Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol.
Earlier we wrote that Dontay Joyner dismissed from Maryland football team after guilty plea