Lionel Messi and his family attended a private funeral for his father, Jorge Messi, in Argentina this past weekend [1].
The death of Jorge Messi marks the departure of a primary figure who managed the athlete's professional trajectory and personal affairs throughout his career.
Jorge Messi died on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026 [2], at the age of 68 [1]. He died following a battle with cancer [4].
The funeral ceremony took place on Sunday, Aug. 9, 2026 [3]. Messi traveled from Miami to his hometown region to participate in the services alongside his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their children.
Reports on the exact location of the ceremony vary. Some sources said the service was held at El Prado Cemetery in Rosario [1], while other reports said the funeral was at a cemetery in the town of Pérez, which is adjacent to Rosario [3].
The event remained a private family affair, though the news of the death drew global attention due to the high profile of the football star. Jorge Messi was widely recognized for guiding his son's career from the early days in Argentina through his tenure in Europe and his current time in the U.S.
“Jorge Messi died on Saturday, Aug. 8, 2026, at the age of 68.”
The death of Jorge Messi removes a key pillar of the athlete's support system. As both a father and a long-time career advisor, Jorge's influence extended beyond family ties into the strategic management of one of the most valuable brands in global sports.
