ROSARIO — Jorge Messi, the father and longtime agent of Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 in his hometown of Rosario, Argentine club Newell’s Old Boys said, following an illness for which he had been receiving medical treatment.
Newell’s, where Jorge Messi had played in the club’s youth system, announced his death on Aug. 8 and paid tribute to his role in his son’s career. Other football institutions, including the Argentine football authorities and Messi’s former club Barcelona, also expressed condolences.
Jorge Messi had been undergoing treatment for an unspecified health condition. His family disclosed in June that he was under medical observation and recovering, while asking the media and public to avoid speculation about his condition.
The health concerns emerged during the 2026 World Cup, when Lionel Messi became emotional after scoring in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria. The Argentina captain later said his emotions were unrelated to football and that he was dealing with a difficult personal situation.
Jorge Messi was a central figure in his son’s development from a young player in Rosario into one of the world’s most prominent footballers. He accompanied Lionel to Spain when the teenager joined Barcelona’s youth academy and subsequently played a major role in managing his professional career and commercial affairs.
He continued to represent his son through Lionel Messi’s years at Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain and after his move to Inter Miami in 2023.
Inter Miami honored Jorge Messi during its match against Monterrey on Aug. 8, the day of his death, with a moment of silence and other tributes. Lionel Messi did not play in the match.
Newell’s, the club where Lionel Messi began his youth career, also mourned Jorge Messi and recognized his contribution to his son’s rise.
The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed. Jorge Messi is survived by his wife, Celia Cuccittini, and their children, Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol.
