# Lionel Messi’s father Jorge Messi dies at 68

2026-08-08T18:30:32+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 1 independent outlet

Jorge Messi, father and longtime agent of Argentina captain Lionel Messi, died on Friday night in Rosario, Argentina after a prolonged illness. He was 68. The Argentine Football Association, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, and tennis star Rafael Nadal were among those who offered condolences. The Messi family had revealed during the 2022 World Cup that Jorge was undergoing medical treatment. Jorge Messi was a steel factory worker who became the driving force behind his son’s career. He helped arrange Lionel’s move to Barcelona’s youth academy at age 13 and handled contract negotiations throughout his son’s stints at Barcelona, PSG and Inter Miami. Lionel has called his father "my hero." Jorge is survived by his wife Celia Cuccittini and their four children: Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias, and Maria Sol.

## Coverage

- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/off-the-field/afa-barcelona-mourn-death-of-lionel-messis-father-jorge-messi/articleshow/133056683.cms>
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/sports/off-the-field/lionel-messis-father-jorge-messi-dies-after-long-illness/articleshow/133052574.cms>
- hindustantimes.com <https://www.hindustantimes.com/sports/football/the-father-who-paved-lionel-messi-s-path-how-jorge-messi-helped-turn-a-young-dreamer-into-a-football-legend-101786201635941.html>
- indiatoday.in <https://www.indiatoday.in/sports/football/story/lionel-messi-father-jorge-messi-death-real-madrid-barcelona-pay-tribute-2966810-2026-08-08?utm_source=rss>
- livemint.com <https://www.livemint.com/news/us-news/quote-of-the-day-8-august-2026-jorge-lionel-messi-11786210166521.html>
- sportstar.thehindu.com <https://sportstar.thehindu.com/football/lionel-messi-father-passes-away-jorge-messi-tributes-reactions/article71321813.ece>

Tags: Argentina, Barcelona, football, Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi, Real Madrid
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