Lionel Messi’s Father Jorge Dies Aged 68 After Battle with Illness
- Jorge Messi died at a clinic in Rosario on the evening of August 7, aged 68, following a prolonged illness
- Jorge was instrumental in shaping Lionel Messi's football career, from his early days at Newell's Old Boys to global stardom
- Newell's Old Boys released an official statement mourning Jorge's passing and paying tribute to his role in football history
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Jorge Messi, the father and long-time agent of Argentina captain Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68.
He passed away at approximately 10pm on Friday, August 7, at a clinic in Rosario, Argentina, where he had been receiving medical treatment for an undisclosed illness.
Source: Getty Images
Newell's Old Boys, the Argentine club where both Jorge and Lionel have deep roots, confirmed the news in an official statement, describing him as "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."
Jorge Messi's Role in Lionel's Rise
Jorge's influence on Lionel's career began long before the global fame. When doctors identified that the young Lionel required growth hormone treatment, it was Jorge who pursued the necessary medical intervention after the family found limited support available in Argentina.
At 13, Lionel received an offer from Barcelona to move to Spain, and Jorge chose to accompany him, setting aside his own life in Rosario to support his son's ambitions.
The early period was far from straightforward. Lionel later recalled:
"My dad was always by my side. We went through a lot of bad things. My dad asked me what I wanted to do, did I want to keep going or should we go back? I wanted to keep going and he stayed with me."
As Lionel's career developed into one of the most decorated in football history, Jorge took on responsibility for his commercial dealings, becoming central to the business side of the global Messi brand.
The pair remained closely connected throughout, with Jorge a visible presence during significant moments in his son's career.
Messi's Emotional 2026 World Cup
Jorge's declining health had already cast a shadow over this year's tournament. After scoring against Algeria in Argentina's opening World Cup fixture, Messi broke down in tears and later acknowledged the emotion was tied to events away from football.
"It's for a reason completely unrelated to sports; I've had some difficult, complicated days," Messi said. He added: "The truth is, it's mostly for my family. Because, well, they're always there, always supporting me. We're going through a difficult time right now."
The Messi family had subsequently indicated that Jorge was "under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favorably within the context of his condition."
Before his son's rise transformed the family's circumstances, Jorge had worked at the Acindar steel factory in Rosario, eventually rising to a managerial role.
He had also played as a midfielder in the Newell's youth system before military service ended his football ambitions.
Newell's Old Boys closed their tribute with a message to Jorge's wife Celia and children Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol: "Farewell forever, leproso."
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Source: YEN.com.gh
