Lionel Messi's father Jorge Messi passes away at 68 in Rosario

Jorge Messi, the 68-year-old father of football legend Lionel Messi, died on Friday night in Rosario, Argentina, according to multiple Argentine and Spanish reports. The Messi family has not issued an official statement. Newell’s Old Boys, the club where Lionel began his football journey, shared a condolence message on Twitter, describing Jorge as a devoted supporter who helped shape his son’s path from local youth teams to global stardom and expressing sympathy to his wife Celia Cuccittini and children Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol.

During the recent World Cup, Lionel Messi’s emotional moments were linked to his father’s long-standing illness, which the family later said was improving. The tribute also recalled Jorge’s role in arranging Lionel’s move to FC Barcelona in 2000. His death marks the loss of a key figure behind one of football’s greatest careers.