The global football community is mourning the death of Jorge Messi, the father and longtime adviser of Argentine superstar Lionel Messi, who has died at the age of 68 after battling an undisclosed illness. His passing has prompted tributes from football clubs, governing bodies and supporters who recognised his immense influence on one of the greatest careers in the history of the sport.
Jorge reportedly died in Rosario, Argentina, on Friday, August 7, where he had been receiving medical treatment in recent weeks. The news was first reported by Argentine media before being confirmed by Newell’s Old Boys, the club where Lionel Messi began his football journey.
In a statement, Newell’s Old Boys described Jorge as far more than the father of Argentina’s captain, portraying him as a constant presence throughout Messi’s development from a young academy player to a world champion.
“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.
The club extended its condolences to Lionel Messi, his mother Celia Cuccittini, and his siblings Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol, acknowledging the family’s profound loss.
The Architect Behind the Scenes
Although Lionel Messi became the public face of Argentine football, Jorge remained one of the most influential figures behind his career.
A former steelworker and youth footballer, he was instrumental in the decision to move his son to Barcelona as a teenager and later became his agent and business manager, overseeing contracts, transfers and commercial affairs.
Throughout Messi’s career, Jorge maintained a relatively low public profile despite playing a central role in many of the footballer’s most important professional decisions.
Health Concerns Became Public Earlier This Year
Jorge’s health problems became known during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when reports emerged that he had suffered a medical episode and was undergoing treatment.
The situation attracted widespread attention after Lionel Messi became emotional following Argentina’s match against Algeria.
After scoring a hat-trick, Messi was asked about his visible emotions and replied:
“No, honestly it’s something completely unrelated to sports. It’s been a few difficult days, complicated.”
Argentine journalists later reported that his father had been dealing with a serious health condition for several months. The Messi family confirmed that Jorge was receiving medical care but asked for privacy and criticised earlier false reports about his condition.
Tributes Across Football
The death of Jorge Messi has drawn tributes from across South American football.
CONMEBOL expressed its condolences to Lionel Messi and his family, describing the moment as one of profound grief.
“CONMEBOL deeply regrets the passing of Jorge Messi, father of Argentine footballer Lionel Messi. We accompany Lionel, his family, friends, and loved ones with respect and affection in this moment of profound grief. May he rest in peace.”
Jorge Messi’s legacy extends beyond his role as a parent. He was widely regarded as one of the key figures who supported, protected and guided Lionel Messi from his earliest days in Rosario to the summit of world football, making him an enduring part of the story behind Argentina’s greatest football icon.
