{
  "id": 327267,
  "title": "Jorge Messi, father of football star Lionel Messi, passes away after health struggles",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/jorge-messi-father-of-football-star-lionel-messi-passes-away-after",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-08T15:34:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "IOL",
    "slug": "iol",
    "url": "https://iol.co.za/news/world/2026-08-08-jorge-messi-father-of-football-star-lionel-messi-passes-away-after-health-struggles/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Jorge Messi, father of Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68, according to reports from Argentine media. Jorge had been dealing with health problems for some time. Lionel Messi, in a recent interview, revealed that his family was experiencing a difficult period, though he did not disclose specifics about his father's health. After playing against Algeria in June, Lionel Messi appeared emotional during a press conference. When asked about his tears, he stated, \"Why was I crying? It had absolutely nothing to do with football. I have had a few difficult days.\" This led to widespread speculation that his emotional state was linked to Jorge's health.\n\nThe Messi family released a statement requesting privacy regarding Jorge's condition. They emphasized that he is currently under medical care and is recovering. The family expressed their concern over the rumors and lack of sensitivity in the media's handling of this private matter. They urged for respect and privacy for Jorge and the entire family during this challenging time.\n\nLionel Messi's schedule was also affected by his father's health issues. At the end of July, the 39-year-old skipped the Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Star Game, reportedly traveling to be with his father. Messi later returned to play for Inter Miami in an MLS match. Despite these personal struggles, Jorge Messi played a crucial role in Lionel's journey from a young player in Rosario to one of the world's greatest footballers. He served as Lionel's agent throughout his career.",
  "summary": "Jorge Messi, a guiding force in Lionel Messi's life and career, has passed away, leaving a profound impact on the football world.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 8,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "KahawaTungu",
        "title": "Lionel’s Messi father Jorge Messi has passed away at the age of 68 after battling a long illness",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/lionels-messi-father-jorge-messi-has-passed-away-at-the-age-of-68",
        "published": "2026-08-08T12:16:37.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Punch Nigeria",
        "title": "BREAKING: Messi’s father, Jorge, dies at 68",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/breaking-messis-father-jorge-dies-at-68",
        "published": "2026-08-08T14:00:09.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Associated Press",
        "title": "Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi’s father and longtime agent, dies at 68",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/jorge-messi-lionel-messis-father-and-longtime-agent-dies-at-68",
        "published": "2026-08-08T14:53:02.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "MyJoyOnline Ghana",
        "title": "Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi’s father and longtime agent, dies at 68",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/jorge-messi-lionel-messis-father-and-longtime-agent-dies-at-68-312256",
        "published": "2026-08-08T14:55:22.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Tempo.co English",
        "title": "Father of Football Star Lionel Messi, Jorge Messi, Dies at 68",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/father-of-football-star-lionel-messi-jorge-messi-dies-at-68",
        "published": "2026-08-08T15:21:29.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Daily Trust",
        "title": "Messi’s father dies after prolonged illness",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/08/messis-father-dies-after-prolonged-illness",
        "published": "2026-08-08T19:48:30.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "This Day",
        "title": "Lionel Messi’s Father, Jorge Dies at 68",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/lionel-messis-father-jorge-dies-at-68",
        "published": "2026-08-09T02:42:56.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}