The world of football is mourning the loss of Jorge Messi, the father and longtime agent of global icon Lionel Messi, who passed away on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at the age of 68. Jorge Messi’s death occurred at Sanatorio Centro hospital in Rosario, Argentina, where he had been receiving treatment for an unspecified illness in recent months. The news was confirmed by Dr. Carlos Mackey, the medical director of the hospital, in a statement released early Saturday morning. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, no further details regarding the cause of death were made public.
Jorge Messi’s passing has sent ripples through the football community, with tributes pouring in from clubs, federations, and organizations across the globe. Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys, the Rosario-based team where Jorge once played as a youth and where Lionel’s love for the game began, announced his death via social media and described him as “the pillar and the person who, with vision, rigor and affection, supported the career of the best player of all time, alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini.”
Jorge is survived by his wife, Celia, and their four children: Lionel, his two older brothers Rodrigo and Matías, and his younger sister María Sol. The Messi family has been a tightly knit unit, with Jorge’s influence stretching far beyond the pitch. He was not only a father but also the architect behind Lionel’s meteoric rise, serving as his agent, manager, and business advisor throughout his illustrious career.
Football fans will remember Jorge Messi as a chemical technician and steelworker who played as a midfielder in the youth ranks of Newell’s Old Boys. His own dream of a football career was cut short by Argentina’s mandatory military service, but his passion for the sport never waned. Instead, he channeled that energy into supporting his children, especially Lionel. It was Jorge who traveled with a young Messi to Barcelona in the early 2000s, securing the trial at La Masia—the famed youth academy—that would change the Messi family’s destiny forever.
Jorge’s role as Lionel’s agent cannot be overstated. He negotiated every major contract—first with Barcelona, then with Paris Saint-Germain, and most recently, Inter Miami. He also managed Lionel’s image rights and investments in real estate, hotels, and restaurants, ensuring the family’s stability and Lionel’s focus on the game. The Messi family’s business acumen became as much a part of their legacy as their love for football.
In a 2007 interview with Radio del Plata, Lionel Messi reflected on their shared journey: “My dad was always by my side. Sometimes I would lock myself in my room to cry when we arrived in Barcelona, or my dad would do the same without me seeing him, or thinking I didn’t see him. We pretended we were both OK, but we weren’t. My dad even asked me what I wanted to do when we were feeling down, if I wanted to stay or go back, and I wanted to stay, and he stayed with me.”
The timing of Jorge Messi’s death adds a poignant layer to Lionel’s recent achievements. Just weeks ago, Lionel led Argentina to a runner-up finish in the 2026 World Cup. In the team’s opening match against Algeria, he scored the first of his three goals and was visibly emotional. Speaking to the press, Messi admitted, “I wept for a reason unrelated to sports.” He later added, “I went through some difficult, complicated days. I am grateful to the delegation, to all my teammates, because they were always by my side wishing me strength so that I would be OK.”
Media speculation about Jorge Messi’s health during the tournament deeply upset the family. In a statement days before Jorge’s passing, the family confirmed, “Jorge is experiencing a health issue,” while urging the media to respect their privacy: “A person’s health and the peace of mind of their loved ones should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media interest.”
Jorge Messi was unable to attend the World Cup in North America, but Lionel managed to spend time with him in Rosario after the tournament, before returning to Inter Miami for club duties. On the day of Jorge’s passing, a sign at the VIP Rosario restaurant—one of the family’s gastronomic ventures—indicated it was closed in mourning.
The outpouring of condolences has been immense. Barcelona, the club where Lionel Messi became a legend, released a statement: “On behalf of the entire Barça family, we extend our condolences to the Messi family. FC Barcelona thanks Jorge Messi for his commitment to our club, for entrusting us with the beginnings and the most glorious years of his son Leo’s football career. May he rest in peace.” Inter Miami, preparing to host Monterrey in the Leagues Cup, stated, “Our hearts are with our captain, Leo, and the entire Messi family.” Paris Saint-Germain, Lionel’s former club, also offered “deepest condolences.”
From the organizational level, the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) expressed its “respect and affection for Lionel.” The Argentine Football Association (AFA) released a message of sadness and support, stating, “From here we accompany with the whole family in this hard time and we send them the most heartfelt, warm, and affectionate embrace. A lot of!” The Argentine national team echoed this sentiment with a simple but powerful message: “We are with you in this difficult moment. We send you our most heartfelt hug.”
UNICEF, where Lionel Messi serves as a goodwill ambassador, also paid tribute, describing Jorge as “a person always committed to the rights of boys and girls and a benefactor of UNICEF.” The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) sent “love and affection to Lionel and his loved ones in these moments of deep sorrow.”
In recognition of Jorge Messi’s impact, Argentina’s soccer federation ordered a moment of silence to be observed at all matches across all categories of Argentine soccer on August 8, 2026, and mandated that players, referees, and coaching staff wear black armbands. Claudio Tapia, president of the federation, praised Jorge Messi “for having raised a person of values: humble, respectful, and deeply committed to others.”
Jorge’s legacy is woven into every step of Lionel Messi’s journey—from his first kicks in Rosario, through the highs and lows of club and international football, to the business empire that now bears the family name. His steady presence was the foundation upon which one of the greatest careers in sports history was built.
As tributes continue to pour in and the football world pauses to remember Jorge Messi, his influence on the game and on his son’s life remains unmistakable. The Messi family, though grieving, is surrounded by an outpouring of love and respect from every corner of the globe. For now, the football community stands united in honoring the memory of the man behind the legend—Jorge Messi.