Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge, has passed away at the age of 68 after a long battle with illness, it was confirmed on Saturday, August 8. Jorge passed away in Messi’s hometown of Rosario.
Reports from Argentina stated that Messi’s father passed away on Friday night at 10 pm local time in a clinic where he was undergoing treatment for a chronic illness. Messi’s boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, confirmed the news with an official statement on Saturday, confirming the death of the Argentine superstar’s father.
“Club Atltico 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. Recognized leproso fan, businessman, and father of the Argentine national team captain, Lionel Andrs Messi.
“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. 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. Thank you for teaching him to love these colors. The Board of Directors, members, athletes, and the entire leprosa family embrace with affection Celia, Lionel, Rodrigo, Matas, and Mara Sol, and all their loved ones and close ones in this difficult moment. Farewell forever, leproso,” read the statement from the club.
It was during the World Cup 2026 that news spread about Messi’s father’s health and it was made public that he was battling an illness. Messi was seen in tears during Argentina’s win over Algeria, where he scored a hat-trick. After scoring one of the goals, Messi was seen in tears which added fuel to the fire.
The Argentina captain confirmed that he got emotional due to something off the field. Later on, Messi’s family put out a statement to refute rumours that Jorge had passed away and claimed that he was making steady recovery from the illness.
JORGE’S ROLE IN MESSI’S CAREER
Jorge Messi played a significant role in shaping Lionel Messi’s career, going far beyond being the football star’s father. From the early stages of Messi’s journey, he was closely involved in important career decisions and was a trusted voice during the discussions that eventually led to his son leaving Argentina for Barcelona.
He also brokered deals that saw Messi join Paris Saint-Germain and then Inter Miami later on in his career.
Messi’s family wasn’t spotted at the stands during the World Cup 2026, where Argentina finished as runners-up behind Spain.
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