🚨BREAKING: Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, has passed away at the age of 68. 💔🕊️

Yes — this is confirmed breaking news. Reuters reports that Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi’s father and longtime agent, died on Friday night, August 7, 2026, at a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina, aged 68, following a long illness. Messi’s family confirmed his death to Reuters. �

🕊️ What happened to Jorge Messi?
Jorge Messi had reportedly been dealing with health problems for some time. According to reports, he spent his final months moving between a medical center in Rosario and his home, where he was accompanied by his wife, Celia, and their children. The family has kept details of his illness private. �

Jorge died in Rosario, the same city where his son Lionel was born and where the Messi family has deep roots. Reports place his death at around 10 p.m. local time on Friday. �

👨‍👦 Jorge Messi’s enormous role in Lionel’s career
Jorge was much more than Lionel Messi’s father. He became one of the most important figures behind the footballer’s extraordinary career.
He worked as Lionel’s agent and business representative, helping manage his son’s contracts, commercial interests and career decisions. Jorge was also beside Lionel during the crucial move from Argentina to Barcelona when Messi was only 13 years old. �

As a child, Lionel faced a major medical challenge involving his growth. Jorge and the family worked to obtain the treatment Lionel needed, while continuing to support his football ambitions. That support ultimately helped Lionel pursue his dream in Spain. �

⚽ His connection to Newell’s Old Boys
Jorge had his own connection to football. He was associated with Newell’s Old Boys, the Rosario club where young Lionel developed before moving to Barcelona.
Following Jorge’s death, Newell’s Old Boys issued a tribute mourning him as Lionel’s father and recognizing his importance to the Messi family’s history with the club. �

💔 A deeply personal loss for Lionel Messi
The death comes after what has been a difficult period for Lionel and his family. During the 2026 World Cup, Messi had spoken emotionally about his father’s health, with reports indicating that Jorge’s condition had been weighing heavily on him. �

At the time of the latest reports, Lionel Messi had not yet issued a public statement about his father’s death, and the family has asked for privacy surrounding Jorge’s health and final days. �

🌹 Tributes from the football world
Tributes have begun coming from football organizations and clubs. Newell’s Old Boys and CONMEBOL have expressed condolences, remembering Jorge not only as Messi’s father and agent but as an important figure in the footballer’s journey.

Jorge Messi leaves behind his wife Celia Cuccittini and their children, including Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol. �

Jorge Messi was 68 years old. May he rest in peace. 🕊️💔
Reuters’ full report⁠� Associated Press report⁠�