Lionel Messi’s Father and Longtime Agent Jorge Messi Dies at 68
Posted on 08/08/26 at 11:28
Jorge Messi, the father and longtime agent of Argentine soccer superstar Lionel Messi, died Saturday at age 68, according to the hospital in Rosario, Argentina, where he had been receiving treatment.
Dr. Carlos Mackey, medical director of Sanatorio Centro, said in a statement that Jorge Messi died early Saturday morning.
The hospital said no additional details about his death would be released out of respect for the family’s privacy.
Newell’s Old Boys Pays Tribute to Jorge Messi
El Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys despide con profundo dolor y pesar a Jorge Messi, quien falleció a los 68 años de edad en la ciudad de Rosario.
Reconocido hincha leproso, empresario y padre del capitán del seleccionado argentino, Lionel Andrés Messi.
Jorge fue el sostén y la… pic.twitter.com/8dFPMRdM9Z
— Newell’s Old Boys (@Newells) August 8, 2026
Newell’s Old Boys, the Rosario club where Lionel Messi began playing as a child, also confirmed Jorge Messi’s death and paid tribute to his role in his son’s extraordinary career.
The club described Jorge as a businessman, devoted Newell’s supporter and a central figure behind Lionel’s rise, alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini.
Newell’s said his constant support and behind-the-scenes leadership helped guide Lionel from his earliest days in soccer to the highest levels of the sport.
The club also thanked Jorge for teaching his son to love Newell’s colors.
Soccer Organizations Send Condolences to Messi Family
La CONMEBOL lamenta profundamente el fallecimiento de Jorge Messi, padre del futbolista argentino Lionel Messi.
Acompañamos con respeto y afecto a Lionel, a su familia, amigos y seres queridos en este momento de profundo dolor.
Que descanse en paz. pic.twitter.com/QpTWIAgdBU
— CONMEBOL.com (@CONMEBOL) August 8, 2026
CONMEBOL, South American soccer’s governing body, expressed its condolences and sent a message of support to Lionel Messi and his family.
UNICEF, where Lionel Messi serves as a Goodwill Ambassador, also mourned Jorge Messi’s death, describing him as someone committed to children’s rights and a supporter of the organization.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) also sent its condolences to Lionel and his loved ones during what it described as a time of profound grief.
A Key Figure Throughout Lionel Messi’s Career
Jorge Messi was one of the most influential figures behind his son’s career, serving as Lionel’s longtime representative and accompanying him through some of the biggest moments of his life in soccer.
He was there throughout Messi’s historic career at Barcelona, his emotional departure from the Spanish club, and his subsequent moves to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.
Jorge also remained closely involved throughout Lionel’s more than two decades with Argentina’s national team, including the heartbreak of previous World Cup campaigns and the ultimate triumph of becoming a world champion.
Jorge Messi Had Been Under Medical Care
Jorge Messi, father and representative of Lionel Messi, died at the age of 68 after suffering a serious illness. pic.twitter.com/5A7FFLdzwJ
— ESPN FC (@ESPNFC) August 8, 2026
Weeks before his death, while the 2026 World Cup was underway, the Messi family revealed that Jorge was dealing with a health issue and was under medical supervision.
At the time, the family said he was recovering and responding favorably to treatment.
It remains unclear whether his death was related to the health problems previously disclosed.
No additional details about the cause of death have been released.
