Jorge Messi , the father and longtime representative of soccer icon Lionel Messi , died at 68 on Friday in Rosario, Argentina, according to ESPN. Newell’s Old Boys, the Rosario club Lionel supported as a child, announced the death Saturday and described Jorge as a foundational presence behind his son’s rise. Jorge Messi helped guide Lionel Messi from his early days at Malvinas to global stardom with Barcelona, Paris Saint Germain, and Inter Miami. Newell’s Old Boys also identified Jorge as a devoted supporter of the Argentine national team captain and a longtime fan of the club. The Messi Family’s Private Loss Jorge Messi’s wife, Celia Cuccittini, survives him. The Messi family had previously confirmed that Jorge was receiving medical care after reports about his health surfaced during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, but the family did not publicly disclose a specific diagnosis. Lionel Messi appeared emotional after scoring against Algeria in Argentina’s opening match in June, a game Argentina won 3 to 0 after Messi recorded a hat trick. Lionel Messi later said his tears were connected to “difficult, complicated days” away from soccer, and Jorge Messi’s cause of death has not been announced.