Jorge Messi, father and agent of Lionel Messi, dies aged 68

Jorge Messi, the father and agent of Lionel Messi, died on Friday, August 7, 2026, in a hospital in Rosario, Argentinian media reported, and the death was announced by Lionel's childhood club Newell's Old Boys on Saturday, August 8, 2026.

Newell's Old Boys, which the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner represented as a youth, confirmed the news in a social media post. Jorge Messi served as his son's first coach in Argentina, accompanied him when he moved to Barcelona as a child and later acted as his agent.

In its social media statement, Newell's Old Boys said: "His constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership were essential in backing every step of Lionel."

Lionel Messi has previously spoken about his father's influence; in 2022 he told DirecTV Sports: "My father helped me enormously. He is very critical of me. That made me always want to push myself further."

Messi's family had asked the media for "humanity" during the recent World Cup amid persistent rumours over Jorge's health.

The report was published from Buenos Aires on August 8, 2026, at 07:55 pm IST.