Lionel Messi’s father Jorge has died at the age of 68 following a long illness. He passed away in a hospital in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Jorge had also been the Argentina forward’s agent since he was 14. Following speculation about his health during this summer’s World Cup, the Messi family issued a statement saying he was dealing with a ‘health-related situation’ but did not disclose the nature of his condition.
A career built alongside his son
Jorge helped his son become arguably the best player of all time and was in Qatar to see Lionel end his quest to lead Argentina to their third World Cup triumph in 2022. The Inter Miami forward, 39, also became an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and won the Champions League four times with Barcelona, plus 10 La Liga titles in 17 seasons in their first team.
Jorge supported his local team Newell’s Old Boys and Lionel joined the club when he was seven years old. The family relocated to Spain in February 2001 after Lionel was signed by Barca aged just 13. Although Messi’s mother and three siblings soon moved back to Rosario, his father stayed with him in Barcelona.
Tributes from clubs and federation
Newell’s Old Boys posted on X that 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’. The club said his constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership were essential in backing every step of Lionel, from his beginnings at the Malvinas youth academy to the pinnacle of world football glory. It added that they embrace with affection Celia, Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol, and all their loved ones and close ones in this difficult moment.
Barcelona thanked Jorge for his commitment to the club, for entrusting them with the beginnings and the most glorious years of his son Leo’s football career. The Argentine Football Association said it deeply mourns with sadness and sorrow the passing of Jorge Messi, father of their captain and emblem, Lionel Messi. It added that it stands in solidarity with the entire family during this difficult time and sends the most heartfelt, warm and affectionate embrace.
The Messi family had previously responded after an Argentine television presenter falsely reported Jorge had died during Argentina’s opening game at this summer’s World Cup. The presenter later resigned, while the family expressed their deep discomfort with the lack of sensitivity, respect and discretion with which some people had treated what is strictly a private family matter.
