Jorge Messi, father of soccer legend Lionel Messi, dies at 68

International soccer star Lionel Messi lost his father on Friday in Argentina, according to multiple reports.

Jorge Messi died at a clinic in Rosario, Argentina, after a long struggle with an undisclosed illness. He was 68 years old.

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Lionel Messi’s youth soccer club Newell’s Old Boys announced Jorge’s death with an announcement and tribute on Saturday.

“Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys bids farewell with deep sorrow and grief to Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 in the city of Rosario,” the statement from the club said. “Recognized leproso fan, businessman, and father of the Argentine national team captain, Lionel Andrés 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 statement added.

“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. Thank you for teaching him to love these colors.”

During the 2026 World Cup, Messi was notably emotional while scoring a hat trick in Argentina’s opening match versus Algeria. Following the match, he explained that his thoughts were on matters outside of soccer.

“It’s for a reason completely unrelated to sports; I’ve had some difficult, complicated days,” Messi said, via The Sun.

“The truth is, it’s mostly for my family,” he added. “Because, well, they’re always there, always supporting me. We’re going through a difficult time right now.”

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Soon thereafter, the family announced that Jorge Messi was suffering from undisclosed health issues.

“In these moments, he is under close medical attention, recovering and progressing positively given his condition,” the family said in a statement.

Both Inter Miami and FC Barcelona held moments of silence in honor of Jorge on Saturday. Rodrigo De Paul, Messi’s teammate in both club and country, also celebrated scoring the first goal of the game by removing his jersey, to reveal Messi’s underneath.

Jorge Messi was his son’s primary representative and business manager throughout the Argentine captain’s celebrated career. Beginning with Lionel’s early career with Newell’s Old Boys, Jorge guided his son on his ascension through youth academies and the club ranks in Spain before he achieved stardom with Barcelona beginning in 2004.

“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,” the club said in a statement following news of Jorge’s death.

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Real Madrid also released a statement expressing condolences to Messi and his family.

As Lionel Messi’s success grew, affording him great fame and wealth, Jorge was at his son’s side to negotiate contracts, handle commercial endorsements and oversee the family’s lucrative business portfolio.

Following a nearly 20-year career with FC Barcelona that included 10 La Liga championships and three Champions League titles, in addition to eight Ballon d’Or trophies and the 2022 World Cup title, Lionel Messi signed with Inter Miami of Major League Soccer in 2023.

Club owner Jorge Mas claimed the blockbuster agreement paid $70 million to $80 million, including massive sponsorship deals and ownership shares. Messi signed a three-year extension with the club last year that runs through the 2028 season.