Jorge Messi, Father of Soccer Star Lionel Messi, Dies at 68

Jorge Messi, the father of Argentine soccer captain Lionel Messi, passed away Friday evening at a hospital in Rosario, Argentina at the age of 68, according to statements from his son’s former club and multiple international news outlets including Infobae and El Español. The Messi family has not disclosed specific details regarding the cause of death.

Newell’s Old Boys, the club where Jorge Messi was a lifelong supporter and businessman, released a statement Saturday acknowledging his death with expressions of “deep sorrow and grief.” The organization credited Jorge as instrumental in guiding his son’s ascent through youth soccer ranks at Malvinas to his position as one of the sport’s greatest players alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini.

Throughout Lionel Messi’s professional career, Jorge served as both agent and adviser, providing what the club described as “constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership” that proved essential to his son’s development. The family disclosed to ESPN in June that Jorge was managing a health condition under medical supervision, stating at that time he was “recovering and progressing favorably within his current condition.”

Lionel Messi became visibly emotional after scoring during Argentina’s opening match of the 2026 World Cup against Algeria, later attributing his tears to personal circumstances unrelated to the sporting event.