The news, emerging from Rosario on Saturday, brings a heartbreaking close to the life of the man who guided Lionel Messi to global stardom, leaving behind an enduring family legacy off the pitch.
A quiet but monumental pillar behind one of the greatest careers in sports history has been lost, as Jorge Messi passed away at 68 after a prolonged illness. The news, emerging from Rosario on Saturday, brings a heartbreaking close to the life of the man who guided Lionel Messi to global stardom, leaving behind an enduring family legacy off the pitch.
For much of Lionel’s career, his father remained away from the spotlight while quietly handling the responsibilities that came with representing one of the world’s most famous players. Jorge’s influence stretched from Lionel’s childhood in Rosario and his move to Barcelona to the major contractual and commercial decisions that followed.
Difficult period during the 2026 World Cup
The seriousness of Jorge’s health problems became more visible during the 2026 World Cup, even though the family initially kept details private. Lionel’s emotional reaction during Argentina‘s tournament campaign provided one of the first public indications that something deeply personal was affecting him.
After scoring against Algeria, Lionel was visibly emotional, and his reaction immediately attracted attention because it appeared to have little connection with what had happened on the pitch. He later acknowledged that he had been experiencing a difficult period and thanked those around the Argentina delegation for their support.
Reports from Argentina subsequently indicated that Jorge had been dealing with serious health problems and had spent time receiving medical care in Rosario. His condition was said to fluctuate, with family members remaining close to him while Lionel stayed in regular contact from the World Cup.
According to Diario Ole, Jorge’s health had been deteriorating for some time, and Lionel remained closely informed about his condition throughout the tournament. The report stated that Lionel had even considered leaving the World Cup at one point to be with his father, although he ultimately continued with Argentina.
The family’s decision to keep Jorge’s illness private was understandable given the enormous media attention surrounding Lionel. The details of his condition were largely kept away from the public while relatives travelled between Rosario and the United States to support him.
After the World Cup final, reports indicated that the Inter Miami captain travelled urgently to Rosario to spend time with his father. Jorge’s health ultimately deteriorated further, and he died at the age of 68 in Rosario following his long illness.
Jorge Messi
The man behind the beginning of an extraordinary journey
It is almost impossible to tell the story of Lionel Messi without eventually reaching Jorge Messi. Long before his son was filling stadiums, collecting Ballon d’Or awards or lifting the World Cup, Jorge was the father trying to find a way for a talented child to continue playing soccer while dealing with a serious growth deficiency.
Lionel’s treatment required hormone therapy, creating a financial burden that became increasingly difficult for the family to manage in Argentina. Jorge explored different possibilities before eventually taking the enormous step of travelling with his 13-year-old son to Spain in search of an opportunity that could secure both his soccer future and the medical treatment he needed.
Lionel Messi and his parents in 2007
The move to Barcelona became the defining turning point. Jorge remained with Lionel in Spain while the rest of the family eventually returned to Rosario, leaving father and son to navigate an unfamiliar country together. Those early months were emotionally difficult, but the decision to remain in Barcelona ultimately opened the door to a career that would change soccer forever.
The famous story of the napkin agreement has become one of the most enduring symbols of that period. With Barcelona still debating whether to commit to the young Argentine, sporting director Carles Rexach eventually put pen to paper on a napkin, promising to sign Lionel under the agreed conditions.
The improvised document was later signed by Rexach, Josep Maria Minguella and Horacio Gaggioli, giving Jorge enough reassurance that the family would not have to abandon the move. The napkin was eventually sold at auction for almost $1 million in 2024, turning an ordinary piece of paper into one of soccer’s most recognizable historical artefacts. Jorge’s role, however, went far beyond making sure his son reached Barcelona.
Tributes begin pouring in
Although the Messi family had yet to issue a public statement at the time the news emerged, the soccer community quickly began expressing its support for Lionel and his loved ones. Several major soccer institutions and clubs paid tribute to Jorge, recognizing the enormous influence he had on the career of one of the sport’s greatest players.
Newell’s Old Boys, the club with which both Jorge and Lionel had strong connections, released one of the most emotional tributes. “Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys bids farewell with deep sorrow and grief to Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 in the city of Rosario,” the club said.
El Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys despide con profundo dolor y pesar a Jorge Messi, quien falleció a los 68 años de edad en la ciudad de Rosario.Reconocido hincha leproso, empresario y padre del capitán del seleccionado argentino, Lionel Andrés Messi.Jorge fue el sostén y la… pic.twitter.com/8dFPMRdM9Z— Newell’s Old Boys (@Newells) August 8, 2026
Newell’s described Jorge as a passionate supporter and highlighted his role as the father of the Argentina captain. The club also recognized the importance of his contribution to Lionel’s development. “Jorge was the pillar and the person who supported with vision, rigor, and affection the career of the greatest player of all time alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini,” Newell’s said.
The tribute continued by emphasizing Jorge’s importance throughout Lionel’s journey, from his earliest soccer days to the very top of the sport. “His constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership were essential in backing every step of Lionel, from his beginnings at Malvinas to the pinnacle of world football glory,” the club added.
The response from Rosario extended beyond Newell’s Old Boys. Rosario Central, another major club from the city, also offered its condolences to the Messi family. “The Club Atlético Rosario Central deeply regrets the passing of Jorge Messi. We accompany with respect and affection Lionel, his family, and all his loved ones in this painful moment. May he rest in peace,” Rosario Central wrote.
El Club Atlético Rosario Central lamenta profundamente el fallecimiento de Jorge Messi.Acompañamos con respeto y afecto a Lionel, a su familia y a todos sus seres queridos en este doloroso momento. QEPD pic.twitter.com/f5J7tRgoBQ— Rosario Central (@RosarioCentral) August 8, 2026
The significance of those tributes went beyond soccer rivalry. Jorge was a Rosario figure who had spent decades connected to the city’s soccer culture, making his passing particularly poignant for the community.
CONMEBOL and Ligue 1 join the tributes
The tributes also quickly spread across the international soccer community. CONMEBOL released a statement expressing its condolences to Lionel, his family, and everyone close to Jorge. “CONMEBOL deeply regrets the passing of Jorge Messi, father of Argentine player Lionel Messi. We accompany Lionel, his family, friends, and loved ones with respect and affection in this moment of profound grief. May he rest in peace,” the South American governing body said.
La CONMEBOL lamenta profundamente el fallecimiento de Jorge Messi, padre del futbolista argentino Lionel Messi.Acompañamos con respeto y afecto a Lionel, a su familia, amigos y seres queridos en este momento de profundo dolor.Que descanse en paz. pic.twitter.com/QpTWIAgdBU— CONMEBOL.com (@CONMEBOL) August 8, 2026
Ligue 1 also acknowledged Jorge’s death, reflecting the connection he maintained with French soccer during Lionel’s two seasons with Paris Saint-Germain. The league offered its support directly to Lionel and his family. “Jorge Messi, father of Lionel Messi, has passed away at the age of 68. All our thoughts go to Leo, as well as his family and loved ones,” Ligue 1 wrote.
Jorge Messi, father of Lionel Messi, has passed away at the age of 68.All our thoughts go to Leo, as well as to his family and loved ones 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/VdqldAD2LZ— Ligue 1 English (@Ligue1_ENG) August 8, 2026
The wave of condolences underlined the unique position Lionel occupies within soccer. When the person who helped guide his career from childhood passes away, the reaction naturally extends far beyond Argentina and Barcelona.