Lionel Messi Mourns Father Jorge Messi, Who Dies at 68

Lionel Messi is mourning the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who died in Rosario, Argentina, at the age of 68.

Jorge died at around 10 p.m. local time on Friday, August 7, according to Argentine and Spanish media outlets including Infobae, El Español and La Nación. He was a major figure in Messi’s life and career, serving for years as his business agent and supporting his rise from a young player in Rosario to one of football’s biggest stars.

Messi’s first club, Newell’s Old Boys, paid tribute to Jorge following his death.

“With deep sorrow and grief, Newell’s Old Boys bids farewell to Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 in the city of Rosario,” the club said in a post on X.

The club described Jorge as a key source of support behind Lionel’s career, praising the “vision, rigor, and affection” he brought to his son’s journey.

“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,” the club said.

Newell’s Old Boys also expressed its condolences to Messi’s mother, Celia Cuccittini, his siblings Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol, and the rest of the family.

Jorge’s death comes nearly two months after the Messi family revealed that he had been dealing with an illness. The family did not disclose the nature of his condition and asked the public and media to respect their privacy.

“He is currently under medical observation, recovering and progressing favorably within his current condition,” the family said in June, according to ESPN.

At the time, the family criticized speculation about Jorge’s health, saying that only his closest relatives had accurate information about his condition. They urged people not to believe reports that did not come directly from the family or its official channels.

The family’s statement asked for “responsibility, prudence, and compassion” during what was described as a difficult private moment.

Jorge played an important role throughout Messi’s extraordinary football career. From his son’s early days in Rosario to his years at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami and Argentina, he remained one of the people closest to the football star.

The loss also comes at an emotional time for Lionel Messi. During Argentina’s recent World Cup campaign, the 39-year-old became visibly emotional after scoring in his team’s opening match, a 3-0 victory over Algeria.

Asked about his reaction after the match, Messi said his emotions had nothing to do with football.

“Why did I cry? It was something completely unrelated to football. I went through some difficult days,” he said. He also thanked Argentina’s delegation and his teammates for standing by him and giving him strength.

For Messi, Jorge was more than his representative. He was a father, adviser and constant presence throughout a career that took his son from a young footballer in Rosario to the top of world football.

As tributes continue to come in, the football community is remembering Jorge Messi for the important role he played behind the scenes in Lionel Messi’s remarkable journey.