BREAKING: Lionel Messi’s Father and Longtime Agent Jorge Messi Dies at 68
E-ISSN: 2354-4481
By Jeff Unaegbu
ROSARIO, Argentina — Jorge Messi, father and longtime representative of football superstar Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 after a prolonged illness.
Jorge died on Friday at a medical clinic in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, according to reports confirmed by the Messi family and the football community. The specific nature of his illness was not disclosed publicly.
His death brings to an end the life of a man who played one of the most influential behind-the-scenes roles in the rise of one of football’s greatest players.
Jorge Messi was more than Lionel Messi’s father. He was his early mentor, career adviser and longtime representative, helping guide the Argentine forward from his childhood in Rosario to global football superstardom.
The Messi family had earlier asked the media and the public to respect their privacy while Jorge underwent medical treatment. In June, the family confirmed that he was receiving medical attention but said he was recovering and progressing favourably at the time.
His condition became a source of concern during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Lionel Messi visibly emotional at points during Argentina’s campaign. Jorge was unable to attend the tournament because of his health problems, according to reports.
Architect Behind Messi’s Early Career
Jorge’s influence on his son’s career began long before Lionel became a household name.
Born and raised in Rosario, Jorge worked as a steelworker and chemical technician before becoming deeply involved in his son’s football career. He supported Lionel during his formative years at Newell’s Old Boys, where the young player’s extraordinary talent began attracting attention.
When Lionel was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency as a child, the cost of treatment became a major challenge for the family. Jorge worked to ensure that his son continued receiving the necessary treatment while also searching for opportunities that could take Lionel’s football career to another level.
At 13, Lionel travelled with his father to Spain for a trial with FC Barcelona. The Catalan club eventually agreed to take the youngster into its famed La Masia academy and cover the medical treatment associated with his growth condition.
That decision became one of the defining turning points in modern football history.
Jorge subsequently became Lionel’s trusted representative, handling negotiations and advising him through the different stages of a remarkable career that produced domestic league titles, Champions League triumphs, international glory and numerous individual honours.
He remained a central figure in Messi’s professional and personal life even after his son became one of the most recognisable athletes in the world.
Tributes Pour In
News of Jorge Messi’s death has prompted tributes from across the football world.
Newell’s Old Boys, the Rosario club where Lionel began his football journey, paid tribute to Jorge and recognised his contribution to his son’s extraordinary rise. Other football institutions and organisations in Argentina and beyond have also expressed condolences to the Messi family.
Jorge is survived by his wife, Celia Cuccittini, and their children, Rodrigo, Matías, Lionel and María Sol.
For Lionel Messi, the loss represents the death of not only his father but also the man who stood beside him at the beginning of a journey that ultimately transformed football history.
Jorge Messi’s legacy will therefore remain inseparably linked to that of his son — the father who helped a small, gifted boy from Rosario overcome enormous obstacles and pursue a dream that eventually made him one of the most celebrated footballers of all time.
