Jorge Messi, the father and longtime supporter of soccer star Lionel Messi, died on August 7 at a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina. He was 68 years old.
His death was confirmed by Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys, the Argentine Football Association, and the CONMEBOL, the South American football governing body. The Messi family issued a statement through Reuters confirming the passing.
Jorge Messi had been receiving medical treatment in recent months for an unspecified illness. He spent his final months alternating between a medical center in Rosario and his home, accompanied by his wife, Celia Cuccittini, and their children: Rodrigo, Matias, and Maria Sol. Lionel Messi was with his father during this period before rejoining his club, Inter Miami, for whom he returned to action a week prior to the announcement.
Family and football community react
Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys, where Lionel Messi began his career at age seven, described Jorge 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 club added, "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."
Barcelona FC also expressed gratitude, stating, "We thank Jorge for his commitment to our club, for entrusting us with the beginnings and the most glorious years of his son Leo’s football career."
The Argentine Football Association offered its condolences, saying, "We deeply mourn with sadness and sorrow the passing of Jorge Messi, father of our captain and emblem, Lionel Messi."
CONMEBOL 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."
Lionel Messi’s emotional World Cup remarks
During the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Lionel Messi scored a hat trick in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria. He was visibly emotional after scoring the first goal, later explaining that his tears were due to "something unrelated to football" after going through "a few difficult, complicated days."
He added, "I am grateful to the delegation, to all my teammates, because they were always by my side wishing me strength so that I would be OK."
Days after the match, the Messi family released a statement confirming that Jorge was undergoing medical treatment for a health issue. The statement read: "The Messi family informs that Jorge Messi is currently going through a health situation. At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favourably within the condition he is experiencing."
Jorge Messi’s role in Lionel’s career
Jorge Messi worked in a steel factory in Rosario before relocating to Barcelona with his son in 2000 after Lionel was signed by Barcelona’s youth academy at age 13. While the rest of the family returned to Rosario, Jorge remained in Barcelona to support Lionel’s career.
He served as Lionel’s manager throughout his professional journey, which included eight Ballon d’Or awards, four Champions League titles with Barcelona, and 10 La Liga titles. Lionel also played for Paris Saint-Germain and currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer.
Newell’s Old Boys concluded their statement by saying, "Thank you for teaching him to love these colours."
Family statement on privacy concerns
Following an Argentine television presenter’s false report that Jorge had died during Argentina’s opening World Cup game, the Messi family expressed discomfort with the lack of sensitivity surrounding the private matter.
The presenter later resigned, and the family released a statement saying, "A person’s health and the peace of mind of their loved ones should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media interest."
They added, "We express our discomfort at the lack of sensitivity, respect and scruples with which some people have treated a strictly private and family matter."