Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi’s father, dies at 68

Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, has died at age 68 after a prolonged illness, his former club, Newell’s Old Boys, as well as multiple media reports and Argentina and Spain outlets, including Infobae and El Espanol confirmed Saturday.

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Reports say Jorge Messi died around 2 a.m. Saturday at Grupo Centro, a medical center in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina. The Messi family has not publicly disclosed the cause of death.

Newell’s Old Boys confirmed his death Saturday in a statement expressing “deep sorrow and grief” over the loss of Jorge Messi, whom the club described as a lifelong fan, businessman and father of Argentina/Inter Miami CF captain Lionel Messi.

“Jorge was the pillar and the person who supported with vision, rigor and affection the career of the greatest player of all time alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini,” the club said. “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.”

Jorge Messi played a central role in his son’s life and career, supporting Lionel from his early years in Rosario through his rise to global soccer stardom. He also served as his son’s agent and adviser for much of his professional career.

The Messi family confirmed to ESPN in June that Jorge Messi was dealing with a health issue and was under medical supervision.

“He is currently under medical supervision, recovering, and progressing favorably within his current condition,” the family said in a statement at the time.

Lionel Messi became emotional after scoring his first goal against Algeria in Argentina’s opening match of the 2026 World Cup, later saying his tears were connected to personal matters outside of soccer.

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“Our hearts are with our captain, Leo, and the entire Messi family,” said Inter Miami in a statement.

In Rosario, a sign at the VIP Rosario restaurant, one of the Messi family’s gastronomic ventures, indicated that it was closed for the day.

The president of Argentina’s soccer federation, Claudio Tapia, on Saturday issued a lengthy statement in which he recognized Jorge Messi “for having raised a person of values: humble, respectful, and deeply committed to others.”

The organization ordered a moment of silence to be observed at all matches across all categories of Argentine soccer and mandated that players, referees and coaching staff wear black armbands.

No other details about Jorge Messi’s death were immediately released.

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