Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge, has died at the age of 68.
Jorge reportedly died in hospital in Rosario, Argentina, close to Messi’s family home, at around 10pm local time on August 7.
Messi’s first football team, Newell’s Old Boys, confirmed the news after local media reported Jorge’s death.
The club wrote: “Club Atletico 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.
“Recognised 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, rigour, 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 colours.
Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi’s father, has died at the age of 68
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“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.”
A couple of months ago, Messi’s family issued a statement saying Jorge was dealing with a “health situation”.
It came after various reports of Jorge’s health and the former Barcelona superstar appearing emotional on the pitch after scoring a hat-trick in Argentina’s opening World Cup game.
When asked about his emotions, the Argentine said: “No, honestly it’s something completely unrelated to sports. It’s been a few difficult days, complicated.”
Lionel Messi had a very close relationship with his father, Jorge
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Lionel expressed his appreciation for those around him during the period.
He explained: “I had some difficult, complicated days, but I’m grateful to the entire delegation, to all my teammates, because they were always by my side, as always, giving me a lot of strength to be okay, and that’s all.”
The footballing legend was incredibly close with his father, who managed his son’s vast commercial interests and acted as his agent.
Lionel is the third of four children between Jorge and his wife Celia Cuccittini, who were together until his death.
Jorge pictured with his son Lionel in November 2025
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The pair married in 1978, splitting their time between Rosario and Miami, where Lionel currently plays his football.
Jorge was a steel manufacturer in Villa Constitucion before becoming his son’s agent, overseeing and helping him as he became one of the greatest players of all time.
He orchestrated Lionel’s move to PSG after 21 fabulous years at Barcelona, before the Argentine moved to Inter Miami.
