Jorge Messi, the father and long-time agent of Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, after a long illness. The family announced his death on 8 August 2026.

Jorge had been receiving treatment at a medical clinic in Rosario — the city north of Buenos Aires where he raised his family and where a young Lionel first kicked a ball in earnest. His wife, Celia Cuccittini, and their children Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol were with him during his final months, as he moved between the clinic and the family home. A few days before his death, the family had released a statement acknowledging his "health situation" and confirming he was undergoing medical care.

Newell's Old Boys, the Rosario club where Lionel trained as a boy before leaving for Barcelona, announced Jorge's death in a social media post and revealed he had been undergoing treatment in recent months for an unspecified illness. The club described him as "the pillar and the person who, with vision, rigour and affection, supported the career of the best player of all time, alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini" (The Guardian). The South American Football Confederation, Conmebol, also issued a statement of condolence.

Jorge Messi was, in the most literal sense, the man who made Lionel Messi's career possible. When Barcelona invited a 13-year-old Lionel to trial in Spain, Jorge uprooted the family and relocated across the Atlantic. He became his son's representative — the person who negotiated contracts, fielded offers and, for several years, handled every commercial aspect of the career that would produce eight Ballon d'Or titles (the award for the world's best player) and a World Cup triumph.

Lionel himself spoke of the bond in plain terms. He said he always needed his father's approval, asking Jorge after every match what he thought of his play. For a player who has been scrutinised by millions for two decades, that private audience — one man, one verdict — is what mattered most.

News of Jorge's death drew reaction from across Argentina and beyond. Clarín, the country's largest newspaper, published a roundup of the first responses from major international media, while the sports daily Olé ran a similar piece on what the world's press was saying. Argentine streamer Davo Xeneize, a popular online broadcaster, paid tribute on his channel. CNN en Español, Infobae and El Nuevo Herald all confirmed the death on 8 August, with Infobae describing Jorge as "a fundamental figure" in Lionel's life and career.

Back in Florida, where Lionel now plays for Inter Miami, the club had not yet announced whether he would feature in Saturday's Leagues Cup home match against Monterrey. For now, football takes a back seat. A son has lost the man who was, by every account, the first voice he listened to after every game — and the one whose opinion counted more than any trophy.