Jorge Messi, the father and longtime agent of football legend Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68, according to multiple reports from Argentine and international media.

The patriarch of the Messi family passed away on Friday night in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, around 10 p.m. local time. He had been receiving medical treatment for an undisclosed illness that first drew public attention during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June, when Lionel Messi appeared emotional after scoring in Argentina’s opening match.

At the time, the Messi family issued a statement confirming Jorge was under medical observation and “recovering and progressing favorably,” while urging media and the public to respect the family’s privacy after false reports of his death circulated. He was later discharged and returned to Rosario, but his condition ultimately did not improve.

Newell’s Old Boys, the club where Lionel began his youth career and of which Jorge was a recognized supporter, paid tribute on social media: “With deep sorrow and grief, Newell’s Old Boys bids farewell to Jorge 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.”

Jorge Messi played a central role in his son’s career, accompanying him to Barcelona as a child, managing contracts, business interests, and protecting his professional path. He is survived by his wife Celia Cuccittini, sons Lionel, Rodrigo, and Matías, daughter María Sol, and several grandchildren.

As of the latest reports, the Messi family had not yet released an official statement.

•Safwan Awae

A 24-year-old footballer,Safwan Awae has died and 12 other players were injured after lightning struck a football pitch during a match in southern Thailand.

The incident occurred on August 4, 2026, at Santiphap Stadium in Narathiwat province as a monsoon storm brought heavy rain during the game.

Video footage from the match shows players running across the rain-soaked pitch when a lightning bolt suddenly struck the ground near them, producing a bright flash followed by flames and smoke.

The lightning struck Safwan Awae, who collapsed on the pitch.Spectators and others at the stadium immediately rushed onto the field in an attempt to help the player, while emergency responders were called to the scene.

• David Owori, SC Villa captain

Uganda international footballer David Owori, captain of one of the country’s biggest soccer clubs, has died after an assault in the capital Kampala, police said.

Owori, 28, captain of ‌SC Villa, was critically injured by unidentified assailants in a suburb of Kampala on Tuesday, police spokesperson Racheal Kawala said.

He was found unconscious by passers-by, who took him to a nearby hospital.

He was transferred to another hospital where he was later pronounced ⁠dead, Kawala said.

“David was not just a footballer. He was both a leader and an inspiration to a generation. As Captain of SC Villa, he led with courage, humility and passion. In the Uganda Cranes jersey, he carried the hopes of a nation,” the Federation of Uganda Football Associations said in a statement.