Jorge Messi, the father and longtime representative of Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi, died Saturday at the age of 68. His passing was confirmed by Sanatorio Centro, the medical facility in Rosario, Argentina, where he had been receiving specialized care.
Dr. Carlos Mackey, the medical director at Sanatorio Centro, issued a statement confirming that Jorge Messi passed away during the early hours of the morning. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, the hospital indicated that no further specific details regarding the cause of death would be disclosed to the public at this time.
Newell’s Old Boys, the Rosario-based club where Lionel Messi began his youth career before his move to Europe, paid tribute to Jorge on social media. The club described him as a renowned fan and a businessman who provided the vision, rigor, and affection necessary to underpin the career of the greatest player of all time alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini. The club emphasized that his leadership behind the scenes was fundamental to supporting Lionel’s journey from his early days in Malvinas to the pinnacle of global football.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) expressed its deep condolences, stating its “sadness and regret at the passing of Jorge Messi, father of our captain and emblem, Lionel Messi.” The organization added, “From here we accompany with the whole family in this hard time and we send them the most heartfelt, warm, and affectionate embrace. A lot of!” The Argentine national team also shared a message of support, posting an image reading “Fuerza Leo” and telling the family, “We are with you in this difficult moment. We send you our most heartfelt hug.”
The South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) joined the chorus of mourners, offering its support to Lionel and the entire Messi family. Additionally, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), for which Lionel Messi serves as a goodwill ambassador, sent formal condolences. The organization remembered Jorge Messi as “a person always committed to the rights of boys and girls and a benefactor of UNICEF.”
Jorge Messi served as a cornerstone throughout his son’s professional career. He remained a constant presence during the most significant chapters of Lionel’s journey, including his tenure at Barcelona, his departure from the club, and his subsequent transfers to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami. He was also a fixture during the highs and lows of Lionel’s two-decade career with the Argentine national team, including his World Cup victories and defeats.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) also extended its sympathies, sending “love and affection to Lionel and his loved ones in these moments of deep sorrow.” The federation noted the historical importance of the league where Messi flourished for many years. This news follows public updates provided by the family during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they confirmed that Jorge was undergoing medical monitoring for a health issue and was at that time “recovering and progressing favorably.” It remains unclear if his death is directly linked to those previously reported health concerns. The report also notes that to his transfers to PSG and Inter Miami, as well as his World Cup victories, he was with him during the most important chapters of his journey: from his glorious time with Barcelona and his painful departure years later. The report also notes that tributes poured in across the soccer world following the news.
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