Lionel Messi’s Father Jorge Messi Dies at 68 After Long Health Battle

Jorge Messi, the father and longtime agent of football superstar Lionel Messi, died on Saturday at a hospital in Rosario, Argentina, aged 68.

The news was announced by Newell’s Old Boys, where Lionel began his football journey. The club said Jorge had undergone treatment in recent months for an unspecified illness and described him as a key figure who, alongside Lionel’s mother Celia Cuccittini, supported the career of one of football’s greatest players.

Jorge’s death follows months of concern over his health. During Argentina’s campaign at this year’s World Cup, Lionel became emotional after scoring against Algeria and later said he had been experiencing “difficult, complicated days” for reasons unrelated to football. The family subsequently confirmed that Jorge was dealing with a health issue and criticised speculation about his condition.

A chemical technician and former steelworker, Jorge had also played football and reached the youth ranks of Newell’s Old Boys before abandoning the sport to complete mandatory military service.

His most important role came when Lionel was a teenager. Jorge travelled with him to Barcelona for the trial that opened the doors to La Masia, the club’s renowned youth academy. Lionel made his professional debut in 2005 and eventually became one of football’s most decorated players.

Jorge later managed his son’s contracts, business affairs and image rights. He negotiated with Barcelona and oversaw moves to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami, while also managing investments in real estate, hotels and restaurants.

Lionel has often credited his father for standing beside him through the difficult early years in Spain. Their journey eventually led to eight Ballon d’Or awards for Lionel and Argentina’s 2022 World Cup triumph.

In 2016, Jorge and Lionel were convicted in Spain on tax evasion charges but avoided prison because their sentences were below two years.

For Lionel, Jorge was far more than an agent, he was the father who never left his side.