Headline: Jorge Messi, Father of Lionel Messi, Passes Away at 68
Jorge Messi, the father of renowned footballer Lionel Messi, has passed away at the age of 68 after a prolonged illness. He died early Saturday morning in a hospital located in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina.
Earlier this summer, amid speculation surrounding his health during the World Cup, the Messi family issued a statement indicating that Jorge was facing a “health-related situation,” although they did not disclose further details regarding his condition.
Jorge played a crucial role in shaping Lionel’s illustrious career, which many consider among the greatest in football history. He was present in Qatar to witness Lionel lead Argentina to its third World Cup victory in 2022.
Beyond his familial bond, Jorge Messi also served as his son’s agent since Lionel was just 14 years old. As a devoted supporter of the local football club Newell’s Old Boys, Jorge encouraged Lionel to join the team at the age of seven.
In February 2001, the family moved to Spain following Lionel’s signing with FC Barcelona when he was only 13. Although Messi’s mother and siblings returned to Rosario shortly thereafter, Jorge remained in Barcelona to support his son’s burgeoning career.
Newell’s Old Boys expressed their condolences via a statement, recognizing Jorge as the pillar who provided guidance and support throughout Lionel’s journey in football. The club praised him for teaching his son to cherish their colors and emphasized the importance of Jorge’s companionship in Lionel’s success.
The Argentine Football Association also mourned the loss, stating, “From here, we stand in solidarity with the entire family during this difficult time and send the most heartfelt, warm and affectionate embrace.”
The Messi family responded to a previous false report about Jorge’s death, expressing their discontent over the insensitivity regarding their private matter.
Lionel Messi’s father Jorge has died at the age of 68 following a long illness.
Jorge, who had also been the Argentina forward’s agent since he was 14, passed away in a hospital in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, in the early hours of Saturday morning.
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After 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.
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.
Jorge Messi (seated centre) at home with his family in 2003 [Getty Images]
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.
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The family relocated to Spain in February 2001 after Lionel was signed by Barca aged just 13, and although Messi’s mother and three siblings soon moved back to Rosario, his father stayed with him in Barcelona.
“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,” Newell’s Old Boys posted on X.
“His constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership were essential in backing every step of Lionel, from his beginnings at Malvinas [youth academy] to the pinnacle of world football glory.
“Thank you for teaching him to love these colours.”
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The club 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”.
The Argentine Football Association said it “deeply mourns with sadness and sorrow the passing of Jorge Messi, father of our captain and emblem, Lionel Messi”.
It added: “From here, we stand in solidarity with the entire family during this difficult time and send the most heartfelt, warm and affectionate embrace.”
The Messi family responded after an Argentine television presenter falsely reported Jorge had died during Argentina’s opening game at this summer’s World Cup.
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The presenter later resigned while the family expressed their “deep discomfort with the lack of sensitivity, respect and discretion with which some people have treated what is strictly a private family matter”.
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