Lionel Messi’s Father, Jorge Messi, Passes Away in Argentina at 68
International soccer star Lionel Messi is mourning the loss of his father, Jorge Messi, who reportedly passed away on Friday in Rosario, Argentina, after battling an undisclosed illness. Jorge was 68 years old.
The youth soccer club Newell’s Old Boys, where Lionel Messi began his career, announced Jorge’s death with a heartfelt tribute on Saturday.
“Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys bids farewell with deep sorrow and grief to Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 in the city of Rosario,” the statement from the club said. “Recognized leproso fan, businessman, and father of the Argentine national team captain, Lionel Andrés Messi.”
Further, the statement reflected Jorge’s crucial role in Lionel’s life and career, noting, “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.” It continued, highlighting Jorge’s constant support from the start of Lionel’s journey at Malvinas to the heights of world football.
During the recent 2026 World Cup, Messi showed visible emotion when he scored a hat trick in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria. After the game, he mentioned that he had been preoccupied with matters beyond soccer.
“It’s for a reason completely unrelated to sports; I’ve had some difficult, complicated days,” Messi said, acknowledging the family’s struggles. “The truth is, it’s mostly for my family,” he added, recognizing their unwavering support during this challenging time.
The Messi family had previously announced Jorge’s health issues, stating, “In these moments, he is under close medical attention, recovering and progressing positively given his condition.”
Jorge Messi served as Lionel’s primary representative and business manager throughout his illustrious career. Beginning with Lionel’s early days at Newell’s Old Boys, Jorge guided him through various youth academies and club ranks in Spain, ultimately leading to his iconic tenure at FC Barcelona starting in 2004.
As Lionel achieved great success, Jorge remained by his side to negotiate contracts, manage commercial endorsements, and oversee the family’s considerable business ventures.
This story will be updated with more information.
International soccer star Lionel Messi reportedly lost his father on Friday in Argentina.
Jorge Messi died at a clinic in Rosario, Argentina after a long struggle with an undisclosed illness, according to multiple reports out of Europe and Argentina. He was 68 years old.
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Lionel Messi’s youth soccer club Newell’s Old Boys announced Jorge’s death with an announcement and tribute on Saturday.
“Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys bids farewell with deep sorrow and grief to Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 in the city of Rosario,” the statement from the club said. “Recognized leproso fan, businessman, and father of the Argentine national team captain, Lionel Andrés Messi.”
“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 statement added.
“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. Thank you for teaching him to love these colors.”
During the 2026 World Cup, Messi was notably emotional while scoring a hat trick in Argentina’s opening match versus Algeria. Following the match, he explained that his thoughts were on matters outside of soccer.
“It’s for a reason completely unrelated to sports; I’ve had some difficult, complicated days,” Messi said, via The Sun.
The truth is, it’s mostly for my family,” he added. “Because, well, they’re always there, always supporting me. We’re going through a difficult time right now.”
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Soon thereafter, the family announced that Jorge Messi was suffering from undisclosed health issues.
“In these moments, he is under close medical attention, recovering and progressing positively given his condition,” the family said in a statement.
Jorge Messi was his son’s primary representative and business manager throughout the Argentine captain’s celebrated career. Beginning with Lionel’s early career with Newell’s Old Boys, Jorge then guided his son on his ascension through youth academies and the club ranks in Spain before he achieved stardom with FC Barcelona beginning in 2004.
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As that success grew, affording Lionel Messi great fame and wealth, Jorge was at his son’s side to negotiate contracts, handle commercial endorsements and oversee the family’s lucrative business portfolio.
This story will be updated with more information.
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