Jorge Messi, longtime agent and father of soccer icon Lionel Messi, has died at age 68 after a prolonged illness. Lionel is traveling to Rosario, Argentina, and will not play for Inter Miami against CF Monterrey on Saturday night.
Jorge Messi, the father and longtime business manager of Lionel Messi, died early Saturday morning, August 8, 2026, at a hospital in Rosario, Argentina. He was 68. The news was confirmed by the Messi family to Reuters, the Sanatorio Centro hospital, CONMEBOL, the Argentina national team, and club sources.83
Lionel Messi is currently en route to his hometown of Rosario to be with his family and will miss Inter Miami’s crucial Leagues Cup group-stage match against Mexican side CF Monterrey tonight at Nu Stadium. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. ET, with the game streaming exclusively on Apple TV.67
Who Was Jorge Messi?
Jorge Horacio Messi played a central role in his son’s extraordinary career. He relocated with a young Lionel to Spain when the teenager joined FC Barcelona’s La Masia academy. Jorge later served as Lionel’s agent and business manager through major career moves, including the transfers to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami CF.
A lifelong Newell’s Old Boys supporter, Jorge was described by the Rosario club as the “support and the person who, together with his wife Celia, strengthened the career of the greatest player of all time with vision, rigor and affection.” He is survived by his wife Celia Cuccittini and their four children: Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol.
A Private Battle with Illness
Jorge Messi’s health struggles became public during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. After Lionel Messi broke down in tears following a goal against Algeria, the family issued a statement confirming Jorge was under medical care for an undisclosed condition and “progressing favorably.” They strongly condemned circulating rumors and false reports of his death at the time, asking for privacy and responsibility from the media.
Jorge spent his final months alternating between a medical center in Rosario and his home. He was unable to travel to the United States to watch his son compete in the World Cup. Lionel spent more than a week with his father in Rosario after Argentina’s final loss to Spain before returning to Inter Miami in late July.
Impact on Inter Miami and the Leagues Cup
Messi had returned to strong form for Inter Miami, scoring twice and adding an assist in a 4-2 Leagues Cup opening win over Atlético de San Luis earlier this week. That performance made him the all-time leading scorer in Leagues Cup history.
Inter Miami now faces Monterrey without their star player. A win tonight would strengthen Miami’s position in the group stage of the 2026 Leagues Cup, the cross-border tournament featuring MLS and Liga MX clubs. The Herons are already without suspended striker Luis Suárez for the entire competition.
Club sources confirmed Messi’s absence for family reasons. No timeline has been given for his return to the pitch.
Tributes Pour In
- Argentina national team: “Sending our deepest strength to Leo Messi and his family. We’re with you during this difficult time.”
- CONMEBOL: “We accompany Lionel, his family, friends, and loved ones with respect and affection in this moment of profound grief.”
- Newell’s Old Boys: The club issued a heartfelt statement mourning the loss of a devoted supporter and key figure in Lionel’s journey.
- FC Barcelona also paid tribute, thanking Jorge for entrusting the club with the early and most successful years of Lionel’s career.
Lionel Messi’s immediate focus is understandably with his family in Rosario. Soccer fans around the world are sending condolences as one of the sport’s most influential behind-the-scenes figures is remembered.