{
  "id": 307079,
  "title": "Lionel Messi's father, Jorge Messi, passes away at 68 | What we know about the cause of his death",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/lionel-messis-father-jorge-messi-passes-away-at-68-what-we-know-about",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-08T11:59:49.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Live Mint",
    "slug": "live-mint",
    "url": "https://www.livemint.com/news/world/lionel-messis-father-jorge-messi-passes-away-at-68-what-we-know-about-the-cause-of-his-death-11786190133100.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Jorge Messi, father of football sensation Lionel Messi, died on Friday, August 7 at the age of 68, according to Spanish news outlet Infobae. The cause of his death has not been disclosed. Jorge had been battling cancer and was hospitalized in a clinic in Rosario, Argentina. He played a pivotal role in his son's soccer career, serving as his agent and managing his business affairs. Lionel Messi expressed his emotional state after scoring a hat trick against Algeria, attributing his tears to personal struggles unrelated to sports. The family issued a statement during the FIFA World Cup 2026, confirming that Jorge was undergoing medical treatment for an undisclosed illness. Jorge Messi, a quiet and steadfast figure, worked tirelessly behind the scenes, starting as a manager in a steel factory before dedicating himself to Lionel's athletic talent. He traveled with Lionel to Spain at the age of 13 to secure a contract with FC Barcelona, ensuring the club would cover Lionel's medical expenses. Jorge also acted as his son's official representative and closest adviser throughout his career, negotiating contracts and shielding Lionel from distractions. He is survived by his wife Celia Cuccittini and their four children.",
  "summary": "Lionel Messi's father, Jorge Messi, has died at the age of 68 after battling cancer, according to Spanish news outlet Infobae. Jorge played a pivotal role in his son's soccer career, serving as his agent and managing his business affairs off the field. Born in Rosario, Jorge initially worked in a steel factory but dedicated his life to nurturing Lionel's athletic talent, travelling to Spain with his 13-year-old son to secure a contract with FC Barcelona and pay for Lionel's growth hormone treatment. Jorge remains survived by his wife, Celia Cuccittini, and their four children.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 3,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Forbes",
        "title": "FC Barcelona Legend Lionel Messi’s Father Jorge Dies, Aged 68",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/fc-barcelona-legend-lionel-messis-father-jorge-dies-aged-68",
        "published": "2026-08-08T12:22:09.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Live Mint",
        "title": "Quote of the Day by Jorge Messi on raising Lionel Messi: ‘Who is prepared for all this? Maybe nobody is…’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/quote-of-the-day-by-jorge-messi-on-raising-lionel-messi-who-is",
        "published": "2026-08-08T17:38:42.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}