Jorge Messi, the father of Argentine football star Lionel Messi, has died after a long illness at the age of 68. He died at a hospital in Rosario, Argentina, and the family confirmed the news to Reuters. The report was published on August 8, 2026, at 20:24.

Jorge Messi’s health had recently been poor, requiring him to remain between a medical center in Rosario and his home for treatment. His wife Celia and children Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol were beside him in his final days.

He played an important role in Lionel Messi’s football career from his son’s childhood and later worked as his representative. Jorge also advised Messi on several career-related decisions outside the field. Messi had previously said that his father’s approval mattered to him and that he would ask him after every match how he had performed. During the 2026 World Cup, the family said Jorge was receiving treatment for health problems and requested privacy and respect amid speculation about his condition.