Tributes paid to Lionel Messi's father Jorge after death aged 68
Jorge, who was a hugely influential figure during his son’s early career, died at a medical clinic in Argentina on Friday night.
Jorge Messi, the father and long-time agent of Lionel Messi, has died aged 68 following a long illness.
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Jorge, who was a hugely influential figure during his son’s early career, died at a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina, on Friday night.
He had spent recent months receiving treatment while being supported by his wife, Celia Cuccittini, and his children Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol.
Lionel Messi is understood to have spent time with his father after returning from the World Cup, before rejoining Inter Miami last week.
Newell’s Old Boys announced Jorge Messi’s death in a social media post, describing him as a central figure in his son’s career.
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The club said: “Jorge was the support and the person who underpinned, with vision, rigour and affection, the career of the best player of all time, together with his wife, Celia Cuccittini.
“His constant accompaniment and leadership behind the scenes were fundamental in supporting Lionel’s every step, from his beginnings in Malvinas to the maximum glory of world football.
“Thank you for teaching him to love these colours.”
The club added that its board, players and supporters were sending their condolences to Celia, Lionel and the wider Messi family.
Barcelona, where Messi spent 17 seasons, also paid tribute to Jorge, thanking him for his “commitment to our club” and for entrusting the Catalan side with “the beginnings and the most glorious years” of his son’s football career.
The Argentinian Football Association has also sent the family “the most heartfelt, warm and affectionate embrace”.
Our deepest condolences. May Jorge Messi rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/PPSTTjHki1
— FC Barcelona (@FCBarcelona) August 8, 2026
Jorge Messi had been receiving medical treatment in recent months. During the World Cup, the Messi family said he was under medical supervision and “recovering and evolving favourably” within his condition.
Messages of support have since been shared across football, with Lionel's Argentinian teammate and close friend, Sergio Aguero, describing Jorge as “one of the greatest men” he had known and highlighting his influence on Lionel’s life and career.
Messi had previously spoken about facing a difficult personal period during the World Cup.
After becoming emotional during Argentina’s opening match, he said he had experienced “a few difficult, complicated days” for reasons unrelated to football.
Referencing this, Aguero added: “He’s human before he’s a footballer. He’s been carrying a lot more than people realise, and sometimes people forget there’s a human being behind the footballer.”
Gary Lineker also offered his condolences, writing: “Be kind. You never know what someone is carrying behind the scenes.”
Inter Miami are scheduled to host Monterrey in the 2026 Leagues Cup on Saturday. The club has not yet confirmed whether Messi will be available for the match.