Lionel Messi's Father, Jorge Messi, Dies at 68
Jorge Messi, the father and longtime adviser of Lionel Messi, has died at 68 after a long illness.
His family confirmed to Reuters that he died Friday night, August 7, at a medical clinic in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina.
Jorge was the central figure behind Messi's rise, guiding him from his early years at Newell's Old Boys to Barcelona and beyond, later serving as his representative and closest confidant.
"Jorge was the pillar and the person who supported with vision, rigor, and affection the career of the greatest player of all time," Newell's Old Boys said in a tribute.
His death comes weeks after the family dismissed false reports of his passing during the 2026 World Cup, when they said he was under medical supervision.
He is survived by his wife Celia and children Rodrigo, Matias, Maria Sol and Lionel.
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