Jorge Messi, Father of Soccer Star Lionel Messi, Passes Away at 68

Jorge Messi, the father of global soccer icon Lionel Messi and a pivotal figure in his son’s career management, has died. He was 68. Jorge Messi passed away at a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina, on Friday following a prolonged illness, according to reports from European and Argentine media.

Newell’s Old Boys, the Argentine club where Lionel Messi began his youth career, confirmed the news on Saturday. The club referred to Jorge Messi as a “recognized leproso fan, businessman, and father of the Argentine national team captain.” In a statement, Newell’s credited Jorge as the essential pillar who, alongside his wife Celia Cuccittini, supported Lionel’s career with “vision, rigor, and affection” from his early days in the youth ranks to the pinnacle of world football.

The business and personal management of Lionel Messi has long been a subject of intense public interest, intersecting with the sports media industry that broadcasts his achievements. During the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi delivered a notable performance, scoring a hat-trick against Algeria. At the time, Fox Corporation, the media entity holding extensive World Cup broadcasting rights, highlighted the milestone as Messi tied the record for most goals in Men’s FIFA World Cup history. Following that match, Messi had indicated he was enduring difficult days due to non-sporting matters, though he did not publicly specify the situation at the time.

Jorge Messi’s role extended beyond parenting; he was instrumental in navigating the complex commercial and contractual landscape of professional soccer. His stewardship coincided with the rise of soccer as a dominant global media property. Fox Corporation, currently trading with a market capitalization of approximately $24.44 billion, remains a major player in the sports broadcasting sector, heavily invested in the distribution of such international events.

What to watch

• Future statements from Lionel Messi or family representatives regarding estate or business management arrangements.
• Continued viewership metrics for soccer properties, including upcoming international tournaments broadcast by major media holders like Fox Corporation.

Source: original release