Jorge Messi, the father and long-time agent of football star Lionel Messi, has passed away at the age of 68 in a hospital in his native Rosario, Argentina. Reports indicate he had been battling a long illness prior to his passing.
The news represents a significant loss for the Messi family. Jorge Messi was considered a central figure in his son’s career, accompanying him from his early days on the pitch to his rise as one of the most prominent players in football history.
A guiding presence from early days
Jorge Messi’s influence was particularly crucial during the initial and most challenging phases of Lionel Messi’s journey. When Lionel moved from South America to Barcelona as a child to join the Catalan giants, his father made the decision to personally accompany him. The rest of the family initially remained in Rosario during this transitional period.
During this uncertain stage, marked by significant life changes, Jorge provided essential emotional and practical support, helping his son adapt to a new life in Europe. He also played a key role during Lionel Messi’s childhood when he required treatment for a growth hormone deficiency, ensuring that Messi, then part of the youth team at Newell’s Old Boys, received the necessary care.
As Lionel Messi’s professional career developed and gained global recognition, Jorge’s role evolved. He transitioned into managing his son’s complex professional affairs at the highest level, consistently acting as one of his primary representatives in the sport.
Over the years, Jorge Messi was deeply involved in many of the most important decisions regarding Lionel Messi’s extraordinary path in football. His dedicated work allowed the Argentine icon to concentrate on his on-pitch performances, knowing his business affairs were secure.
Behind the scenes and family life
Despite managing the affairs of a globally renowned athlete, Jorge Messi maintained a low profile with the media, largely avoiding the intense spotlight that followed his son. However, behind closed doors, his steady presence was a constant, standing by Lionel Messi’s side from his beginnings in Rosario to his status among the world’s sporting elite.
Jorge Messi was not only Lionel Messi’s father but also his long-time agent. He and his wife, Celia Cuccittini, had four children: Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol.
In recent years, his health had deteriorated. Lionel Messi himself hinted at a difficult personal period during the last World Cup. While Antonia Rocuzzo and their three sons, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro, were present at matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the absence of Jorge and other family members, in contrast to previous tournaments, was noted.
The family had stated in June that Jorge Messi was under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favorably, without detailing the illness. The precise cause of his death has not been officially verified by the Messi family.
On social media, Jorge Messi would occasionally post about his son’s accomplishments or share family moments. The football world now awaits an official statement from the grieving family as they mourn the loss of a pivotal figure in the Messi story.
Source: goal.com