Jorge Messi, the father, manager and agent of Argentine football star Lionel Messi, died on Friday, August 7, 2026, at the age of 68. He passed away in the evening at a clinic in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, following a long illness that had weakened his health over several weeks.
A former steel mill employee, Jorge Messi played a central role in his son's professional career from his earliest years. In addition to being Lionel Messi's primary supporter, he served as both his business manager and agent throughout his rise to international stardom.
Two months before his death, false reports during the World Cup incorrectly claimed that Jorge Messi had died. His family had to issue a public denial while confirming his health remained concerning, an incident that prompted a sharp response from Argentine President Javier Milei.
Newell's Old Boys pays tribute
Following the announcement of his death, tributes poured in from across South America and around the world. Argentine club Newell's Old Boys, where Lionel Messi began his youth career between 1994 and 2000, released a statement on social media platform X expressing profound sadness and immense grief.
The Rosario club described Jorge Messi as a recognized supporter, businessman, and father of the national team captain. Newell's Old Boys stated that alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini, he was the pillar who supported the career of the greatest player of all time with vision, rigor, and affection.
The club added that his constant presence and leadership behind the scenes were essential to accompanying every step of his son's career, from his beginnings at Malvinas to world football glory. The team thanked him for teaching his son to love the club's colors.
The board of directors, members, athletes, and supporters extended their condolences to Celia Cuccittini and to Jorge's children, Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol. On the morning of August 8, 2026, Newell's Old Boys lowered the flags at its club grounds to half-mast as a symbol of mourning.
Early years and move to Barcelona
Lionel Messi spent nearly six years wearing the red and black colors of Newell's Old Boys before moving to Barcelona. Former coaches and observers noted that the young player's quiet personality off the pitch was inherited from his father.
French publication So Foot described Jorge Messi as an impassive father who watched his son's matches without offering public comments. However, a dispute arose when the club refused to let young Lionel collect a tournament trophy because his registration fee was incomplete.
Jorge Messi confronted the junior team coach, asking if he was serious after all the trophies his son had won for the team. Relations between the family and the club became strained, leading the family to relocate to Catalonia, while Jorge remained silent despite inquiries from club executives.
Recent events and World Cup headlines
The news of Jorge Messi's passing follows a busy period of international headlines involving his son. French midfielder Sébastien Salles-Lamonge, captain of Mexican club San Luis and native of Tarbes, recently faced Lionel Messi on the pitch during a high-profile fixture.
Recent reports also highlighted security measures during the World Cup, including a leaked report detailing averted threats such as a foiled suicide plot in Atlanta and espionage target surveillance. Other coverage noted Argentina's semi-final victory over England under manager Thomas Tuchel.
During a tense World Cup quarter-final between Argentina and Switzerland, Lionel Messi confronted the referee and demanded to be spoken to with respect. In another fixture in Atlanta, Messi missed a penalty against Egypt, but Argentina secured qualification despite trailing late in the match.
Before a round-of-16 match, the president of Cape Verde expressed confidence in defeating Argentina and presented a symbolic gift to Messi. Meanwhile, police inspected a luggage item containing a spark lighter belonging to a 2022 World Cup winner in Messi's presence.
Off the pitch, Messi donated 80,000 euros following wild fires in Madrid, earning praise from the regional president. Discussions also emerged regarding France Football and whether Messi could compete for a ninth Ballon d'Or while playing in the United States, alongside the resurfacing of a historical photo of Messi bathing a young Lamine Yamal.
Following Argentina's World Cup final defeat against Spain, Lionel Messi broke his silence by acknowledging that the loss brought immense pain to the squad and supporters.
