Rosario mourns passing of Jorge Messi, father and agent of Lionel Messi
Jorge Messi, the father and agent of Argentina’s renowned footballer Lionel Messi, has passed away at the age of 68. He died at a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina, following a prolonged illness, as announced by the family. During his final months, Jorge Messi divided his time between a medical centre in Rosario and his home, accompanied by his wife, Celia, and his children Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol.
Lionel Messi had spent time with his father after the World Cup before rejoining his club, Inter Miami, where he returned to action a week prior to the announcement. Inter Miami is scheduled to play Monterrey at home on Saturday in the 2026 Leagues Cup, though the MLS club has not yet confirmed if Lionel Messi will participate.
A pillar of support
The Newell’s Old Boys football club acknowledged Jorge Messi’s passing in a social media post. The club’s message described him 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 post also noted that he had been undergoing treatment for an unspecified illness in recent months. The Argentinian FA also conveyed its condolences, expressing solidarity with the family during this challenging period.
Jorge Messi played a crucial role in his son’s career from its early stages, including his time at Barcelona. He served as a significant source of support and, for several years, acted as his son’s representative. Lionel Messi once stated, “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.”
His support extended to critical moments, such as when Lionel Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency at a young age. The treatment for this condition was costly, and the family’s financial resources were limited. While Lionel Messi was still in Newell’s Old Boys‘ youth system, Jorge Messi actively sought to secure the necessary medical support for his son.
Later, Jorge Messi accompanied his son to Spain when Lionel was 13 years old. He was instrumental in negotiating the arrangement that allowed Lionel to join Barcelona while continuing his medical treatment. During the initial difficult period in Barcelona, Jorge Messi remained with his son, while the rest of the family returned to Rosario. This decision highlighted his commitment to his son’s future.
Emotional moments and privacy
During the World Cup, Lionel Messi spoke about experiencing a difficult personal situation after Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria. He became emotional after scoring his first goal in the team’s opening match. He later clarified that his tears were due to “something unrelated to football” after enduring “a few difficult, complicated days.”
Speculation arose that Lionel Messi’s emotional reaction during Argentina’s last-16 victory over Egypt was partly linked to his father’s declining health. A few days after this match, the family released a statement concerning Jorge Messi’s “health situation,” informing the public that he was receiving medical treatment.
The family also strongly condemned speculation regarding Jorge Messi’s condition, requesting that the media and public respect their privacy during this time. This emphasis on privacy underscored the family’s desire for dignity and boundaries, even amidst public interest.
Jorge Messi’s involvement spanned his son’s entire professional journey, from his early days at Barcelona to his major contracts. His guidance and supervision were constant throughout Lionel Messi’s career.
Today, August 8, 2026, the football world acknowledges the passing of Jorge Messi.
Source: theguardian.com
Priya Menon 