ALBAWABA - Jorge Messi, the father of Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 after a prolonged illness.
Jorge died Friday night at a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina, where he had been receiving treatment, according to multiple reports from Argentine and Spanish media. Reuters also confirmed his death, reporting that he passed away in his hometown after a long period of illness.
The specific nature of Jorge Messi’s illness has not been publicly disclosed. His family had previously asked for privacy regarding his medical condition after rumors about his health began circulating during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The family first publicly addressed Jorge’s health on June 18, confirming that he was under medical supervision and recovering. At the time, relatives said he was progressing favorably but criticized the spread of speculation and unverified reports about his condition.
Just days later, Jorge was reportedly discharged from a medical facility and returned to his home in Rosario to continue his recovery. The update had provided relief for the Messi family after a period of concern surrounding his health.
Jorge’s health had also become a private source of concern for Lionel during the World Cup. Messi became visibly emotional after scoring during Argentina’s opening match against Algeria. After the game, the football star said his tears were connected to several difficult days that had nothing to do with football. Reports subsequently linked the emotional moment to his father’s health.
Jorge Messi played an important role throughout his son’s extraordinary football career. Beyond being Lionel’s father, he served as his longtime representative and was closely involved in managing his career and business affairs.
He was particularly important during Lionel’s childhood and teenage years. Jorge supported his son as he developed as a footballer in Rosario before the family made the major decision to move to Spain when Lionel was 13 so he could join Barcelona’s youth academy.
That move ultimately became a defining moment in football history.
Lionel Messi went on to establish himself as one of the greatest players of all time, winning numerous major individual and team honors with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami and Argentina. He also captained Argentina to victory at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, completing one of the most celebrated careers in the history of the sport.
Throughout much of that journey, Jorge remained an important figure behind the scenes, helping manage his son’s professional affairs while also maintaining a close father-son relationship.
Jorge was also a familiar figure around Lionel’s career and was regularly seen supporting him at major matches and events.
His death comes after a particularly significant period for Lionel Messi, who competed in the 2026 World Cup with Argentina. Messi, now 39, helped Argentina reach the latter stages of the tournament in what was widely regarded as another major chapter of his international career.
News of Jorge’s death has prompted tributes from the football community, including Argentine club Newell’s Old Boys, where Lionel began his youth career before moving to Barcelona.
For Lionel Messi, Jorge was far more than a representative or football adviser. He was his father and one of the central figures who supported him from his earliest days in Rosario through his transformation into a global sporting icon.
Jorge Messi is survived by his wife, Celia Cuccittini, and their children, including Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol.
His death marks the loss of a man whose influence on one of football’s most remarkable careers extended far beyond the sidelines.
