Jorge Messi, the father of Argentine football star Lionel Messi and a key figure in his son’s career, has died at the age of 68, according to reports from international media.
Reports published on Saturday, August 8, 2026, say Jorge Messi died on Friday evening in Rosario, Argentina, where he lived. He had been receiving medical treatment for a health condition. Details about the exact cause of his death have not yet been officially made public.
Jorge Messi was much more than Lionel Messi’s father. He was also his longtime adviser and manager, helping guide his son’s football career from an early age. He played an important role as Lionel moved from Argentina to Europe and later became one of the biggest names in world football.
The relationship between father and son remained important throughout Messi’s career. Jorge was involved in managing many aspects of Lionel’s professional life and continued to be one of the people closest to him.
Jorge’s health had attracted public attention during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. In June, reports said he had been admitted to hospital because of a health problem. He was later discharged and returned home to Rosario to continue his recovery. His family had also previously rejected false reports claiming that he had died.
During the World Cup, Lionel Messi also showed how much the situation was affecting him personally. After scoring three goals for Argentina against Algeria, he became emotional and later explained that his tears were connected to difficult family circumstances rather than football.
In July, after Argentina lost the World Cup final to Spain, Lionel Messi returned to Rosario with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their three children. At the time, Jorge Messi was still undergoing medical treatment.
Jorge Messi leaves behind his wife, Celia Cuccittini, and his children, including Lionel, Rodrigo, MatÃas and MarÃa Sol.
For decades, Jorge remained a major presence in Lionel Messi’s life. From his son’s early football days in Rosario to his rise to global fame, he was closely involved in supporting and managing his career.
His death marks a major loss for the Messi family and comes after months of concern about his health. Jorge Messi will be remembered not only as the father of one of football’s greatest players, but also as one of the people who helped guide Lionel Messi through the early stages of his extraordinary career.