Jorge Messi, the father of football icon Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68.
Jorge died in a hospital in Rosario, Argentina, after a period of ill health. Reports of his death emerged early on August 8. He was reported to have died at around 10 p.m. local time on August 7.
His death is a major personal loss for Lionel Messi. Jorge was a key figure in his son’s life and career. He supported Lionel from his early days in football and remained close to him throughout his rise.
Newell’s Old Boys, the club where Lionel Messi spent part of his youth career, shared a tribute after Jorge’s death was reported.
The Rosario club praised Jorge for the support he gave Lionel during his football journey. It described him as a person who supported his son’s career with care, vision and strong guidance.
Jorge was an important part of Lionel’s path from a young player in Rosario to a global football star.
Lionel Messi was born in Rosario and started his youth career with Newell’s Old Boys. He later moved to Spain as a child and joined Barcelona’s youth system.
That move changed the course of his life. Messi went on to become one of the most successful football players in history.
Jorge stayed close to his son during that journey. He helped with important career matters and supported Lionel through many stages of his professional life.
His influence was not limited to football. Jorge was also part of Lionel’s family life and remained a close presence as his son’s career reached the highest level.
Jorge’s health had been a concern in recent months. During the 2026 World Cup, it was reported that he was receiving treatment for health problems.
Lionel had also acknowledged that personal matters had affected his focus. He said issues away from football had made it harder to focus fully on the MLS season with Inter Miami and preparations for the World Cup.
The emotional effect was seen during the tournament.
Messi was in tears after scoring his first goal of the World Cup against Algeria. The moment came as he dealt with difficult matters away from the field.
The death of his father now adds to that personal pain.
Jorge was with Lionel during some of the most important years of his development. He supported his son as he moved from youth football in Argentina to professional football in Europe.
Lionel later enjoyed a remarkable career with Barcelona. He also played for Paris Saint Germain and Inter Miami. With Argentina, he won major international honors and became a national sporting hero.
Through those years, Jorge remained an important figure in his son’s life.
Newell’s Old Boys was among the first football institutions to pay tribute to Jorge. The club’s connection with the Messi family goes back to Lionel’s childhood in Rosario.
The family has not yet released a detailed public statement about Jorge’s death.
The news comes during a major period in Lionel Messi’s career. He continues to play for Inter Miami and remains one of the biggest names in global football.
Away from the game, however, Messi is now facing the loss of his father.
Jorge Messi dies at 68 after a period of ill health. He leaves behind a lasting place in the story of Lionel Messi’s rise from a young Rosario player to one of football’s greatest stars.
His support began long before the world knew Lionel Messi’s name. That role made Jorge an important part of the journey that shaped one of the most famous careers in modern football.
