Jorge Messi, father of soccer legend Lionel Messi, dies at 68

Jorge Messi, father of Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi, was instrumental in the development of his son's career and business affairs. (Photo by Emma Garcia/picture alliance via Getty Images) picture alliance via Getty Images International soccer star Lionel Messi reportedly lost his father on Friday in Argentina. Jorge Messi died at a clinic in Rosario, Argentina after a long struggle with an undisclosed illness, according to multiple reports out of Europe and Argentina. He was 68 years old. Lionel Messi’s youth soccer club Newell’s Old Boys announced Jorge’s death with an announcement and tribute on Saturday. “Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys bids farewell with deep sorrow and grief to Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 in the city of Rosario,” the statement from the club said . “Recognized leproso fan, businessman, and father of the Argentine national team captain, Lionel Andrés Messi.” El Club Atlético Newell's Old Boys despide con profundo dolor y pesar a Jorge Messi, quien falleció a los 68 años de edad en la ciudad de Rosario. Reconocido hincha leproso, empresario y padre del capitán del seleccionado argentino, Lionel Andrés Messi. Jorge fue el sostén y la… pic.twitter.com/8dFPMRdM9Z — Newell’s Old Boys (@Newells) August 8, 2026 “Jorge was the pillar and the person who supported with vision, rigor, and affection the career of the greatest player of all time alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini,” the statement added. “His constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership were essential in backing every step of Lionel, from his beginnings at Malvinas to the pinnacle of world football glory. Thank you for teaching him to love these colors.” During the 2026 World Cup , Messi was notably emotional while scoring a hat trick in Argentina’s opening match versus Algeria. Following the match, he explained that his thoughts were on matters outside of soccer. FIFA WORLD CUP HAT TRICK FOR MESSI! 🇦🇷 Lionel Messi ties Miroslav Klose for the most goals in Men’s FIFA World Cup history with 16 🐐 pic.twitter.com/vw6bl65w7s — FOX Sports (@FOXSports) June 17, 2026 “It’s for a reason completely unrelated to sports; I’ve had some difficult, complicated days,” Messi said, via The Sun . The truth is, it’s mostly for my family,” he added. “Because, well, they’re always there, always supporting me. We’re going through a difficult time right now.” Soon thereafter, the family announced that Jorge Messi was suffering from undisclosed health issues. “In these moments, he is under close medical attention, recovering and progressing positively given his condition,” the family said in a statement . View this post on Instagram Jorge Messi was his son’s primary representative and business manager throughout the Argentine captain’s celebrated career. Beginning with Lionel’s early career with Newell’s Old Boys, Jorge then guided his son on his ascension through youth academies and the club ranks in Spain before he achieved stardom with FC Barcelona beginning in 2004. As that success grew, affording Lionel Messi great fame and wealth, Jorge was at his son’s side to negotiate contracts, handle commercial endorsements and oversee the family’s lucrative business portfolio. This story will be updated with more information.