Jorge Messi, the father and longtime agent of Argentine football star Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 following a long illness.
Jorge died at a hospital in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The Messi family had addressed speculation surrounding his health during this summer’s World Cup, saying he was dealing with a “health-related situation” without disclosing the nature of his condition.
Jorge played a central role throughout his son’s football career and had served as his agent since Lionel was 14.
He was in Qatar in 2022 when Messi finally lifted the World Cup as Argentina secured their third title. Lionel went on to win the tournament’s best player award, adding to a career that has included a record eight Ballon d’Or awards.
The Inter Miami forward, now 39, also won the Champions League four times and 10 La Liga titles during 17 seasons in Barcelona’s first team.
Jorge was a supporter of Newell’s Old Boys, the Rosario club Lionel joined when he was seven.
The family relocated to Spain in February 2001 after Barcelona signed Lionel at the age of 13. While his mother and three siblings later returned to Rosario, Jorge remained with his son in Barcelona.
Newell’s Old Boys paid tribute to Jorge, describing him as a central figure in Lionel’s journey from youth football to the highest levels of the sport.
“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 club said.
“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.”
The club also extended its condolences to Celia, Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias, Maria Sol and the rest of the family.
Barcelona thanked 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 also expressed its condolences, saying it “deeply mourns with sadness and sorrow the passing of Jorge Messi, father of our captain and emblem, Lionel Messi”.
The association added: “From here, we stand in solidarity with the entire family during this difficult time and send the most heartfelt, warm and affectionate embrace.”
Earlier this summer, the Messi family had criticised the handling of reports about Jorge’s health after an Argentine television presenter falsely reported that he had died during Argentina’s opening World Cup match.
The presenter later resigned, while the family expressed its “deep discomfort with the lack of sensitivity, respect and discretion” surrounding what it described as a private family matter.
