Archive · 9 Aug 2026
Lionel Messi's Father and Agent Jorge Messi Dies at 68
Jorge Messi was the dad of Lionel Messi, one of the most famous soccer players in the world.
Jorge was also his son's agent and helper for many years.
He traveled with Lionel to Barcelona when Lionel was young and took care of his contracts and business deals.
Sadly, Jorge died at the age of 68 after being sick for a long time.
He passed away at a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina, the city where the family is from.
His death was announced on Saturday, August 8, 2026, by Newell's Old Boys, the club where Lionel first played.
In June, some people shared false reports that Jorge had died, but his family said he was getting medical care and asked everyone to respect their privacy.
During this year's World Cup, Lionel looked very sad after a match and said he had been going through difficult days for reasons not related to soccer.
Now that Jorge has really passed away, football fans all over the world are sad for Lionel and his family.
Jorge Messi, the father and longtime agent of football superstar Lionel Messi, died at the age of 68.
He passed away late Friday night at a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina, and his death was confirmed on Saturday, August 8, 2026, by Newell's Old Boys.
His death followed a chronic illness and months of treatment; the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) also offered condolences.
Jorge accompanied Lionel to Barcelona in the early 2000s, helped him into the La Masia academy, and later negotiated contracts with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.
False reports of his death in June were rejected by the family, who said his health was a private matter and that he was receiving medical care.
- Who
- Jorge Messi, the 68-year-old father and longtime agent of Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi, and husband of Celia Cuccittini.
- What
- Jorge Messi died at 68 after a prolonged battle with a chronic illness; his death was announced by Lionel's boyhood club, Newell's Old Boys.
- When
- Late Friday night, with his death confirmed on Saturday, August 8, 2026.
- Where
- A medical clinic in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina (described as a hospital in one report).
- Why
- He had been battling a chronic illness and undergoing treatment in recent months.
Family's Right to Privacy
Public Interest in a Famous Family
Coverage of Jorge Messi's health and death rumors
Family's Right to Privacy
The Messi family condemned media speculation about Jorge's health, saying a person's health and the peace of mind of loved ones should not be subject to speculation or irresponsible media interest and expressing discomfort at the lack of sensitivity shown toward a private family matter.
Public Interest in a Famous Family
Because Jorge Messi played a central role in the career of one of the world's most famous athletes, news organizations considered his health and passing newsworthy and widely circulated the June reports before the family clarified that he was alive and receiving care.
- Name
- Jorge Messi
- Age at death
- 68
- Relationship
- Father and longtime agent/adviser of Lionel Messi
- Cause of death
- Prolonged battle with a chronic, unspecified illness
- Place of death
- Medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina
- Death confirmed
- Saturday, August 8, 2026, by Newell's Old Boys; CONMEBOL offered condolences
- Career role
- Accompanied Lionel to Barcelona for the La Masia trial; negotiated contracts with Barcelona (Barça), Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami; managed image rights and investments
- Earlier death rumors
- False reports in June were rejected by the family, who said Jorge was receiving medical care
