Lionel Messi is facing the loss of the man who changed everything

Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi's father and longtime adviser, has died after a long illness. Official confirmation is still pending.

Lionel Messi Faces a Difficult Moment as Reports Emerge About His Father

AUGUST 8, 2026 10:29 AM EDTAUG 8, 2026, 10:29 AM EDT

Lionel Messi and his family are facing one of the most difficult moments of his life after Argentine news outlet Infobae reported that his father, Jorge Horacio Messi, died at the age of 68 following a long illness. The news was later confirmed by Newell's Old Boys, the Rosario club where Messi began his soccer journey, which said it was saying goodbye "with deep sorrow and grief" to Jorge Messi. As of publication, the Messi family had not yet released a public statement.

Lionel Messi's Father, Jorge Messi, Dies at 68 After Long Illness — Jorge Messi remained a constant presence throughout Lionel Messi's career, offering guidance from the sidelines while avoiding the spotlight.

Jorge Messi, Lionel's father, longtime agent, and trusted adviser, had been receiving medical treatment in Rosario, Argentina. Weeks earlier, the family confirmed he was under medical supervision and asked for privacy, urging the public to avoid speculation about his condition.

Lionel Messi and his father, Jorge, shared a close bond that extended far beyond the soccer field. — Jorge Messi, father and agent of Lionel Messi - holding his son's trophy of 'Best player of the World Cup - following the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 Final match.

Although the family has not yet commented publicly, Jorge's passing marks the end of a decades-long partnership that helped shape one of the greatest careers in soccer history. He was far more than a father. He was Lionel's earliest believer, closest adviser, and the steady force behind many of the decisions that transformed a gifted youngster from Rosario into one of the greatest players the sport has ever seen.

Jorge Messi played a pivotal role in helping his son navigate the journey from Rosario to global soccer stardom. — Long before Lionel Messi became a World Cup champion, Jorge Messi was working behind the scenes to support his dream.

From Messi's first days at Newell's Old Boys to his record-breaking years at Barcelona, his triumphs with Argentina, and his rise to global superstardom, Jorge remained a constant presence behind the scenes. He guided many of his son's biggest career decisions while deliberately staying out of the spotlight.

Concern Grew During the World Cup

Public concern about Jorge Messi's health intensified during Argentina's opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 18.

After the final whistle, television cameras captured Lionel Messi in tears. The emotional images quickly spread around the world and prompted widespread speculation.

The Messi family has long credited Jorge Messi's unwavering support as a cornerstone of Lionel's remarkable career.

When asked about the moment, Messi offered only a brief explanation. "It had nothing to do with soccer. I've been through some very difficult days."

He also thanked his Argentina teammates for supporting him during that difficult period. "They were always there for me and gave me the strength to keep going."

Messi did not elaborate further, but Argentine journalist and attorney Eduardo Feinmann later reported on FM Positiva Radio that the emotional moment was linked to his father's declining health.

From Newell's Old Boys to Barcelona and beyond, Jorge Messi remained one of the most influential figures in Lionel Messi's life.

"My understanding is that his father isn't doing well," Feinmann said. "He's been dealing with a very serious health issue for quite some time, going back to last year."

According to Feinmann, Jorge's condition had worsened in the days leading up to Argentina's World Cup opener. "Messi is carrying that pain inside," he said. "Even so, he went out there and played brilliantly."

Jorge Messi was by his son's side through many of the defining moments of one of soccer's greatest careers.

As speculation continued to grow, the Messi family released a statement confirming that Jorge was receiving medical treatment for a serious health condition. They appealed for compassion and privacy, emphasizing that his health was a private family matter and should not become the subject of irresponsible speculation.

The Father Behind a Soccer Legend

Jorge Messi's influence on Lionel's life began long before the world knew his son's name.

When Lionel was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency as a child, Jorge worked tirelessly to secure the medical treatment he needed. In 2000, he made the life-changing decision to move with his son to Barcelona, where the teenager joined the club's famed La Masia academy.

Friends and fans remember Jorge Messi as the quiet force behind Lionel Messi's rise to international superstardom.

That decision altered not only Lionel Messi's future but also the history of world soccer.

Over the years, Jorge served as his son's representative, adviser, and trusted confidant. He helped navigate contracts, transfers, endorsement deals, and countless career-defining moments while maintaining an exceptionally low public profile.

Married to Celia María Cuccittini, Jorge was the father of four children: Rodrigo, Matías, Lionel, and María Sol. Despite the family's worldwide fame, he remained committed to protecting their private life.

Jorge Messi's legacy is inseparable from the remarkable journey that took Lionel Messi from Rosario to the top of world soccer.

His declining health had limited his public appearances in recent months, and many noticed his absence from the stands during Argentina's matches at the 2026 World Cup.

A Lasting Legacy

Jorge Messi lived to see his son achieve virtually everything a soccer player can dream of. Lionel won multiple Ballon d'Or awards, lifted countless club trophies, and fulfilled a lifelong ambition by winning the FIFA World Cup with Argentina.

For those who know the family best, however, Jorge's greatest legacy extends far beyond silverware and records. His unwavering support, quiet determination, and willingness to sacrifice for his son's future helped lay the foundation for one of the most remarkable careers in sports history.

For decades, Jorge Messi helped guide one of the most celebrated careers in sports while remaining largely out of public view.

While the soccer world awaits official confirmation from the Messi family, tributes and messages of support have already begun to pour in across social media.

As Lionel Messi's father and longtime adviser, Jorge Messi helped shape the path that led to one of the greatest careers in sports history.

If the reports are confirmed, Jorge Messi will be remembered not only as Lionel Messi's father and longtime adviser but also as the quiet architect behind one of the greatest stories the game has ever known.