Jorge Messi, the father and long-serving business manager of global soccer icon Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68. His passing occurred on Friday evening at approximately 10 p.m. local time in a hospital in Rosario, Argentina, the city near the family's long-time home, following several months of undisclosed health complications.
"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, Club Statement.
News of Jorge Messi's death was initially reported by Argentine media outlets before being officially confirmed by Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys. This club holds significant sentimental value for the Messi family, as it was where Lionel Messi began his illustrious soccer career as a young boy. Newell's Old Boys issued an emotional statement, expressing profound sorrow at the loss of a figure they described as a lifelong supporter and a pivotal force behind one of the greatest careers in sports history.
In their statement, released in Spanish, Newell’s Old Boys stated, "Club Atletico 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 club further lauded Jorge's unwavering dedication and instrumental role in nurturing his son's talent. "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 read. It continued, highlighting his critical behind-the-scenes contributions: "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." The tribute concluded with condolences extended to Jorge's wife, Celia, and their children—Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol—as well as their wider circle of loved ones.
CONMEBOL, the governing body for South American soccer, also joined in expressing its grief and offering tributes. "CONMEBOL deeply regrets the passing of Jorge Messi, father of Argentine footballer Lionel Messi," the organization stated. "We accompany Lionel, his family, friends, and loved ones with respect and affection in this moment of profound grief. May he rest in peace."
While no official cause of death has been publicly announced as of Saturday morning, Jorge Messi's health had been a significant concern for several months. Reports indicated that he experienced a medical episode at his home in January and subsequently required hospitalization. During this period, he underwent various cardiovascular and neurological tests. However, the Messi family chose not to publicly disclose a specific diagnosis or the full extent of his condition.
The seriousness of his health struggles became more apparent during a significant moment in Lionel Messi's career. During the World Cup, following Argentina’s opening group-stage match against Algeria, Lionel Messi was visibly emotional, breaking down in tears after scoring a hat trick. When questioned by reporters about his emotional state, he responded, "No, honestly it’s something completely unrelated to sports. It’s been a few difficult days, complicated." Argentine journalist Eduardo Feinmann later reported that Messi’s emotional distress was directly connected to his father's declining health. Feinmann elaborated, "This has to do with his father. His father is not in good health. For quite some time now, several months, since last year. And this week there were some situations that slightly worsened his health, and Messi is going through this internal struggle. In other words, like any human being."
Jorge Messi's health had previously been the subject of incorrect reporting in June when an Argentine broadcaster falsely announced his death. The broadcaster subsequently apologized for the error and resigned from her position. Two months later, the tragic news has now been confirmed.
Jorge Messi's involvement in his son's career was comprehensive and spanned decades. Before dedicating himself fully to managing Lionel's business affairs, Jorge worked for a steel manufacturer in Villa Constitucion. He married Celia Cuccittini in 1978, and together they raised four children. The couple remained together until his death, splitting their time in recent years between Rosario, Argentina, and Miami, Florida, particularly after Lionel joined Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
His guidance was instrumental from Lionel's earliest days in soccer, starting at Newell’s Old Boys. Jorge played a crucial role in the momentous decision for Lionel to leave Argentina and join Barcelona’s renowned La Masia academy in 2000, setting the stage for one of soccer's most celebrated careers. Jorge continued to be deeply involved in all major career transitions, serving as both his son's agent and de facto business manager. This included Lionel's move from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 and his subsequent transfer to Inter Miami, where Jorge helped manage the burgeoning commercial empire surrounding the superstar.
The father-son duo also faced legal challenges together. In 2016, both Jorge and Lionel Messi were convicted of three tax offenses related to income from Lionel Messi’s image rights between 2007 and 2009. They initially received suspended 21-month prison sentences. Jorge's sentence was later reduced to 15 months by Spain’s Supreme Court in 2017, and both were ordered to pay significant fines. Despite these controversies, Jorge Messi remained a steadfast and vital presence behind his son's extraordinary ascent. From Lionel’s childhood in Rosario through his triumphs in Barcelona, Paris, and Miami, his father was a constant source of support and guidance.
After months of private health battles, the man who meticulously guided Lionel Messi from a promising young prospect in Argentina to a global soccer legend has passed away at 68, leaving a profound void for his family and the wider soccer community.
