{
  "id": 340819,
  "title": "Lionel Messi's father Jorge dies aged 68",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/09/lionel-messis-father-jorge-dies-aged-68",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-08-09T02:46:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/sports/football/2026/08/1507317/lionel-messis-father-jorge-dies-aged-68"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Rosario, Argentina - Argentine football legend Lionel Messi's father, Jorge Messi, has passed away at the age of 68, his childhood club Newell's Old Boys announced on Saturday. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's father had been hospitalized in Rosario on Friday, according to Argentine media. Jorge, a former metal factory worker, was Lionel's first coach in Argentina and remained his constant companion throughout his career, even becoming his agent after the family moved to Spain. In 2000, Jorge left his stable job and three other children behind to move to Spain with his 13-year-old son. Despite the difficulties, Jorge stayed by Lionel's side through thick and thin, even asking his son which path he wished to pursue during tough times. Lionel, now 39, expressed his deep gratitude towards his father in 2022, stating that his father's support was the driving force behind his relentless pursuit of excellence in football.",
  "summary": "ROSARIO: Jorge Messi, the father and agent of Lionel Messi, has died aged 68, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s childhood club Newell’s Old Boys announced on Saturday.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "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."
}