Sport3 min(s) read
Published 14:23 08 Aug 2026 GMT
Soccer star Lionel Messi's father dies aged 68
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The father of soccer star Lionel Messi has died aged 68, just weeks after the World Cup.
The family had confirmed in June that Jorge Messi had been dealing with a "health-related situation", before he passed away at around 10PM on August 7, per The Sun.
According to reports, Jorge died at a clinic in Rosario, Argentina, where he had been receiving treatment.
Newell's Old Boys, Lionel's childhood soccer club, paid tribute on social media, writing on X (formerly Twitter): "Club Atlético Newell's Old Boys bids farewell with deep sorrow and grief to Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 in the city of Rosario.
"Recognized leproso fan, businessman, and father of the Argentine national team captain, Lionel Andrés Messi.
"Jorge was the pillar and the person who supported with vision, rigor, and affection the career of the greatest player of all time alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini."
The tribute added: "His constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership were essential in backing every step of Lionel, from his beginnings at Malvinas to the pinnacle of world football glory.
"Thank you for teaching him to love these colors.
"The Board of Directors, members, athletes, and the entire leprosa family embrace with affection Celia, Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol, and all their loved ones and close ones in this difficult moment."
It comes just weeks after Lionel played in the 2026 World Cup final, as Argentina were ultimately defeated by Spain.
The soccer captain was visibly emotional at times throughout the tournament, admitting, per The Sun: "Honestly, it is something completely unrelated to sport. It has been a difficult, complicated few days."
After reports of Jorge's ill-health came to light, a reporter had mistakenly announced his death during the tournament.
Florencia Peña made the false claim live on Luzu TV's El Show del Verano, saying: "I don't want to break bad news, but Messi's father just died."
Peña ultimately ended up resigning from her job after the blunder, saying in a statement explaining her decision that she was ashamed to have spread false information, despite claiming it had been passed to her during the live broadcast by the show's production team.
She added: "I take responsibility for being part of the mistake, and that's why I decided to step aside and end my participation in Luzu. I apologize again from the heart; I was wrong."