Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, has passed away at the age of 68 following a prolonged battle with illness.
The news was confirmed on Saturday, August 8, with reports stating that Jorge died in Rosario, Messi’s hometown. According to reports in Argentina, Jorge passed away at around 10pm local time on Friday at a clinic where he had been receiving treatment for a chronic illness.
Messi’s boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, confirmed Jorge’s death in an emotional statement released on Saturday. At the time of writing, Messi and his family had yet to issue an official statement.
“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. Recognized leproso fan, businessman, and father of the Argentine national team captain, Lionel Andrés Messi.
“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. 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. The Board of Directors, members, athletes, and the entire leprosa family embrace with affection Celia, Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol, and all their loved ones and close ones in this difficult moment. Farewell forever, leproso,” the club said.
Jorge Messi’s Illness
Concerns over Jorge Messi’s health emerged during the 2026 World Cup, when reports revealed that he had been battling an illness.
Messi was visibly emotional during Argentina’s match against Algeria, in which he scored a hat-trick. The Argentina captain was seen in tears after scoring, prompting speculation that the moment was linked to his father’s health.
Messi later confirmed that his emotions were related to a personal matter away from football. His family subsequently moved to dismiss reports that Jorge had died, stating that he was responding positively to treatment and making a steady recovery.
Jorge Messi’s Role in Lionel’s Career
Jorge Messi was much more than Lionel Messi’s father. He played a central role throughout his son’s football journey and was closely involved in some of the most important decisions of Lionel’s career.
From Messi’s early years in Argentina, Jorge helped guide his son through the challenges surrounding his move to Spain and his eventual transition to Barcelona. He remained a trusted adviser throughout Messi’s career and was involved in negotiations surrounding several major moves.
Jorge also played a key role in deals that took Messi to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 and later to Inter Miami in 2023.
His influence extended well beyond contract negotiations, as he remained one of the most important figures behind the scenes throughout Messi’s rise from a young player in Rosario to a global football icon.
Messi’s family was not seen in the stands during the 2026 World Cup, where Argentina ultimately finished as runners-up to Spain.
Comments are closed.