Jorge Messi, the father and agent of Argentina’s football star Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68. He passed away at a medical clinic in the Argentinian city of Rosario after a prolonged illness, as confirmed by the family. Reports from Argentina and Spain, including Infobae and El Espanol, indicated his passing occurred on Friday night, around 22.00 local time in Rosario.
During his final months, Jorge Messi divided his time between a medical centre in Rosario and his home. He was accompanied by his wife, Celia, and his children, Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol. Lionel Messi had spent time with his father following the World Cup before rejoining his club, Inter Miami, where he returned to action a week ago.
The family had previously issued a statement regarding Jorge Messi’s “health situation,” informing the public that he was undergoing medical treatment. This followed speculation during the World Cup about his deteriorating condition, which was believed to have contributed to Lionel Messi’s emotional reactions during the tournament.
Newell’s Old Boys, Lionel Messi’s childhood club, announced the death through a social media post. The club described Jorge Messi as “the pillar and the person who, with vision, rigour and affection, supported the career of the best player of all time, alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini.” The South American Football Confederation, Conmebol, also extended its condolences in a statement, expressing respect and affection for Lionel Messi.
Jorge Messi played a crucial role in his son’s career, providing unwavering support and serving as his representative for many years. Lionel Messi has often spoken about his father’s influence, stating, “I always needed my dad’s approval, ever since I was a kid. After every match, I’d ask him what he thought of how I played.” This close relationship began during Lionel Messi’s early years at Barcelona.
The illness affecting Jorge Messi had been the subject of various reports during the World Cup. During the tournament, Lionel Messi displayed emotional reactions, including breaking down in tears while celebrating his first goal in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria, which Argentina won 3-0. He later explained that his tears were due to “something unrelated to football” after experiencing “a few difficult, complicated days.”
His emotional response to Argentina’s last-16 victory over Egypt was also partly attributed to his father’s health. Days after these events, the Messi family released a statement confirming Jorge was under medical monitoring and recovering. Newell’s Old Boys further elaborated on Jorge Messi’s impact, noting his “constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership were essential in backing every step of Lionel, from his beginnings at Malvinas to the pinnacle of world football glory.”
The club’s social media tribute concluded by thanking Jorge Messi for teaching Lionel to love their colours and extended their embrace to Celia, Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías, María Sol, and all their loved ones during this difficult time. Jorge Messi is considered a key figure in FC Barcelona history due to his instrumental role in his son’s rise to becoming one of the sport’s greatest players. He took the initiative to move to Europe when neither Newell’s Old Boys nor River Plate would cover the costs of Lionel’s necessary growth treatment.
A famous agreement to sign Lionel Messi for Barça was reportedly penned on a napkin with then-sporting director Carles Rexach on December 14, 2000, at the Pompeia Tennis Club. Lionel Messi subsequently joined La Masia, progressing to become FC Barcelona’s leading goal-scorer with 672 goals in 778 appearances, with Jorge Messi acting as his agent throughout this period. Inter Miami is scheduled to play Monterrey on Saturday at home in the 2026 Leagues Cup.
Source: theguardian.com
As News-UK's Sports News Writer, Oscar Pennington reports on rugby union, golf and boxing for readers across the country. He built a reputation for sharp explainer pieces on regional sport. He holds a degree in Journalism from Nottingham Trent University and completed an NCTJ diploma. Oscar lives in Nottingham, where he follows the pro golf tour and amateur boxing. “Context is what turns a result into a story.”
