Jorge Messi, father and longtime manager of Argentina captain Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 following health complications.
Messi’s boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, confirmed his death in a statement on Saturday, saying he passed away in Rosario, Argentina.
Local reports said Jorge died in hospital at about 10 p.m. on August 7, close to the Messi family home.
In its tribute, Newell’s Old Boys described Jorge as a devoted supporter of the club and a key figure in his son’s remarkable football journey.
The club said Jorge played a major role behind the scenes, supporting Lionel from his early days in Rosario through his rise to the top of world football.
Jorge also served as Lionel Messi’s agent and business manager for much of the football superstar’s career, helping oversee his commercial interests and professional affairs.
His health had reportedly deteriorated in recent months, although the family had not publicly disclosed details of his medical condition.
Reports said Jorge experienced a medical emergency at his home earlier this year and was subsequently admitted to hospital, where he underwent cardiovascular and neurological examinations.
The Messi family largely kept his condition private, despite renewed media attention in June when an Argentine broadcaster wrongly reported that Jorge had died.
She later apologized publicly and resigned from her position.
Jorge and his wife, Celia Cuccittini, had four children, with Lionel being their third child.
Newell’s Old Boys extended its condolences to Celia, Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol, as well as the wider family, describing Jorge as an important figure in the life and career of one of football’s greatest players.
