Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, has died at the age of 68 after a prolonged illness, bringing to an end the life of a man who played a central role in shaping the career of one of football’s greatest players.
Jorge Messi, who also served as his son’s agent from the age of 14, reportedly passed away in the early hours of Saturday at a hospital in Rosario, his hometown in Argentina. His death followed months of concern about his health, which had become the subject of public speculation during the recent FIFA World Cup.
Earlier this summer, the Messi family issued a statement acknowledging that Jorge was facing a “health-related situation” but chose not to disclose further details about his condition. The family had appealed for privacy and sensitivity, particularly after false reports about his death circulated during Argentina’s opening World Cup match.
Jorge Messi is widely regarded as the driving force behind Lionel Messi’s rise from a talented boy in Rosario to a global football icon. He guided his son through every stage of his career, helping him navigate professional football from childhood and remaining a constant presence throughout his remarkable journey.
A lifelong supporter of Newell’s Old Boys, Jorge introduced Lionel to the club at a young age. Lionel joined Newell’s youth system when he was seven, beginning a relationship with the club that would become an important part of his identity.
In February 2001, the Messi family made the life-changing decision to relocate to Spain after Lionel was signed by FC Barcelona at the age of 13. While Lionel’s mother, Celia Cuccittini, and his three siblings later returned to Rosario, Jorge remained in Barcelona to support his son during the crucial early years of his development.
Those years proved transformative. Under Jorge’s guidance, Lionel progressed through Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy before making his first-team debut and establishing himself as one of the greatest footballers in history. Over 17 seasons with Barcelona’s senior team, Messi won 10 La Liga titles, four UEFA Champions League trophies and numerous domestic and international honours.
Jorge was also present in Qatar in 2022 when Lionel finally achieved his lifelong dream of leading Argentina national football team to World Cup glory. The triumph, Argentina’s third world title, was widely seen as the crowning achievement of Messi’s career. By that stage, Lionel had already won multiple Ballon d’Or awards and would eventually become an eight-time winner of football’s most prestigious individual honour.
Tributes poured in from across the football world following news of Jorge’s death. Newell’s Old Boys described him as “the pillar” who supported Lionel’s career “with vision, rigour and affection” alongside his wife, Celia.
In a message posted on social media, the club said Jorge’s constant companionship and leadership behind the scenes were essential from Lionel’s earliest days at the Malvinas youth academy through to the pinnacle of world football.
“Thank you for teaching him to love these colours,” the club wrote, while extending condolences to Celia, Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias, Maria Sol and the wider Messi family.
Barcelona also paid tribute, thanking Jorge “for his commitment to our club and for entrusting us with the beginnings and the most glorious years of his son Leo’s football career.”
The Argentine Football Association expressed “deep sadness and sorrow” at the loss of the father of its captain and national emblem. The federation said it stood in solidarity with the Messi family and sent its “most heartfelt, warm and affectionate embrace” during the difficult period.
The circumstances surrounding Jorge’s illness had already highlighted the intense public scrutiny faced by the Messi family. During the recent World Cup, an Argentine television presenter falsely announced Jorge’s death, prompting an immediate response from the family.
In a strongly worded statement, the family expressed “deep discomfort with the lack of sensitivity, respect and discretion” shown by some media figures in treating what they described as “strictly a private family matter.” The presenter later resigned following widespread criticism.
Beyond football, those who knew Jorge Messi often described him as a reserved but determined figure whose life revolved around his family. While Lionel became the public face of a global sporting phenomenon, Jorge largely operated away from the spotlight, managing negotiations, career decisions and the countless demands that accompanied his son’s fame.
His influence extended beyond contracts and transfers. Many close to the family have long regarded him as the emotional anchor who helped Lionel remain grounded despite extraordinary success and worldwide attention.
Jorge Messi’s death marks the passing of a figure whose contribution to football history was largely made behind the scenes. Though he never played professionally, his belief in his son’s talent, his sacrifices during the family’s move to Spain and his decades of guidance were instrumental in the making of a football legend.
He is survived by his wife, Celia Cuccittini, his children Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol, and other members of the Messi family who are now mourning a husband, father and grandfather whose legacy will remain inseparable from one of the greatest careers the sport has ever witnessed.
