Jorge Messi, Father of Lionel Messi, Dies at 68 After Long Illness

Jorge Horacio Messi, the father and longtime representative of football superstar Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68, bringing an end to the life of a man who played a central role in shaping one of the greatest careers in football history.

Jorge Messi died on Friday night in Rosario, Argentina, after a prolonged illness, according to reports from Spanish and Argentine media. El País reported that his death occurred at about 10 p.m. local time at a hospital in Rosario and was confirmed by Argentine club Newell’s Old Boys. The Messi family had not issued its own public statement at the time of the initial reports.

The news comes less than two months after the Messi family disclosed that Jorge was receiving medical treatment for an undisclosed health condition.

His death is expected to be a deeply personal loss for Lionel, 39, who maintained a close relationship with his father throughout his extraordinary football career.

For millions of football fans, Lionel Messi is synonymous with Barcelona, Argentina, World Cups, Ballon d’Or trophies and records.

But behind much of that journey was Jorge Messi.

Jorge was not simply Lionel’s father. He became his son’s longtime representative and was involved in the negotiations and business decisions that accompanied Messi’s rise from a talented youngster in Rosario to a global sporting superstar.

He supported Lionel from his earliest days playing football and was heavily involved when the family confronted the medical and financial challenges surrounding the youngster’s growth hormone treatment.

Jorge also played a crucial role when Lionel moved to Spain as a teenager to pursue his football dream with Barcelona.

Lionel Messi was born in Rosario on June 24, 1987, into a football-loving family.

Jorge coached and encouraged his son during his early years, including his time at Rosario club Newell’s Old Boys.

When Lionel’s exceptional talent became increasingly obvious, the family faced the difficult decision of leaving Argentina so the youngster could pursue opportunities in Spain.

At just 13, Lionel moved to Barcelona and began his development at the club’s famed academy.

Jorge’s role during that transition was crucial. He stayed closely involved in his son’s development and helped navigate the negotiations surrounding his treatment and move to Europe.

The decision ultimately changed football history.

As Lionel’s career developed, Jorge became his representative and remained involved in his professional affairs for decades.

He was involved in contract negotiations, commercial arrangements and other aspects of the Messi brand.

That meant Jorge was often seen alongside his son during some of the biggest moments of Lionel’s career.

From Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain and later Inter Miami, Jorge remained an important figure behind the scenes.

People magazine described him as a key figure in Messi’s development, noting that he coached Lionel when he was young and helped secure treatment for his son’s growth hormone deficiency.

News of Jorge Messi’s deteriorating health became public during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In June, reports circulated claiming that Jorge had died. Those reports were false at the time.

The Messi family subsequently confirmed that Jorge was under medical supervision and said he was recovering and progressing favourably given his condition. Reuters documented the earlier false report and the family’s response.

That earlier episode is important because it means publishers should be particularly careful with the latest reports.

Unlike the June death hoax, the latest reports have been independently carried by multiple established media organisations, while Newell’s Old Boys has reportedly confirmed Jorge Messi’s death.

Jorge’s health situation was also linked to some of Lionel Messi’s most emotional moments during the 2026 World Cup.

Lionel became visibly emotional after scoring during Argentina’s tournament campaign.

At the time, Messi indicated that he had been dealing with difficult personal circumstances away from football.

Reports subsequently connected those emotions with concern over his father’s health.

The circumstances added another layer to what was already a significant tournament for Messi, who was competing in what was widely viewed as one of the final chapters of his international career.

Newell’s Old Boys, the Rosario club where Lionel Messi developed as a young player, has joined those mourning Jorge.

The club’s connection to the Messi family goes back decades.

Lionel spent several formative years at Newell’s youth academy, where he emerged as an exceptional young talent before his eventual move to Barcelona.

Jorge’s role in helping his son navigate that journey has made his death significant not only to the Messi family but also to the football community in Rosario.

Despite Lionel Messi’s extraordinary global fame, the Messi family has generally sought to keep many aspects of their private life away from public scrutiny.

The family’s handling of Jorge’s illness reflected that approach.

When his health became the subject of speculation in June, relatives asked for privacy while confirming that he was receiving medical attention.

That makes the current moment particularly sensitive.

While tributes are already emerging across football, the family is expected to be given space to mourn privately.

Jorge Messi’s legacy will inevitably be connected to his son’s achievements.

Lionel went on to become one of football’s most decorated players, winning major domestic and international honours and establishing himself as one of the sport’s defining figures.

But for Jorge, Lionel’s success was not simply about trophies.

People reported that Jorge and Lionel’s mother, Celia Cuccittini, consistently placed importance on their son’s character and wellbeing alongside his football achievements.

Jorge’s influence therefore extended beyond the touchline and the negotiating table.

He was the father who supported a talented boy from Rosario, accompanied him through the uncertainty of moving abroad as a teenager and later helped manage the enormous professional world that surrounded him.

Jorge Messi is survived by his wife, Celia Cuccittini, their children and grandchildren.

Lionel Messi has not, at the time of this report, made a public statement announcing his father’s death.

Given the family’s earlier request for privacy surrounding Jorge’s health, further details about the funeral arrangements and the family’s response may emerge gradually.

The football world, meanwhile, has begun paying tribute to the man who stood behind Lionel Messi for much of his life.

For fans who watched Messi’s journey from a gifted Rosario youngster to a global icon, Jorge Messi’s death marks the passing of one of the most important figures behind that extraordinary story.

Jorge Messi was 68.

May he rest in peace. 🕊️