Jorge Messi, the father and longtime agent of Argentina soccer star Lionel Messi, died Friday at a medical clinic in Rosario. He was 68.
Messi’s family confirmed his death after a prolonged illness. He had spent his final months receiving treatment in Rosario while surrounded by his wife, Celia Cuccittini, and their children.
Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys, where the younger Messi began playing as a boy, announced his death Saturday. The club described Jorge Messi as a central figure in his son’s career and extended its condolences to the family.
The South American soccer governing body, CONMEBOL, also expressed its sympathy to Lionel Messi and his family.
Jorge Messi played an important role in his son’s rise from a promising young player in Rosario to one of the most accomplished soccer players in history.
He accompanied Lionel Messi when the teenager traveled to Spain for a trial with Barcelona. That opportunity eventually led to a place at La Masia, the club’s renowned youth academy.
Lionel Messi made his first team debut for Barcelona in 2004 and went on to establish himself as one of the sport’s leading players. He later played for Paris Saint Germain before joining Inter Miami.
Jorge Messi served for years as his son’s representative and handled much of his business affairs. His responsibilities included contract negotiations, commercial interests and the management of Lionel Messi’s image rights.
The relationship between father and son extended beyond business. Lionel Messi has previously spoken about relying on his father for guidance throughout his career.
“I always needed my dad’s approval, ever since I was a kid,” Messi said in an earlier interview. “After every match, I’d ask him what he thought of how I played.”
Jorge Messi was born into a working class family in Argentina. He trained as a chemical technician and worked in the steel industry before becoming deeply involved in his son’s soccer career.
He had also played soccer as a midfielder and reached the youth ranks of Newell’s Old Boys. He eventually left the sport to complete Argentina’s mandatory military service.
The family had kept Jorge Messi’s illness private. Earlier this year, speculation about his health prompted the family to confirm that he was receiving medical treatment while criticizing what it described as excessive media attention.
“A person’s health and the peace of mind of their loved ones should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media interest,” the family said at the time.
Lionel Messi’s father was also beside him during difficult periods of his early career. In a 2007 interview, Messi recalled the emotional strain he and his father experienced after moving to Barcelona.
The younger Messi eventually became Barcelona’s most decorated player and won eight Ballon d’Or awards. He also led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title.
His father continued to play a role in major decisions throughout his professional career, including negotiations surrounding his moves away from Barcelona.
Jorge Messi’s death also brought renewed attention to the family’s close connection to Rosario, where the Messi family has maintained business and personal ties.
A restaurant associated with the family in Rosario was closed Saturday as relatives and friends gathered privately.
The Argentine Football Association issued condolences and ordered a moment of silence at matches throughout the country. Players, coaches and referees were also instructed to wear black armbands.
“From here, we stand in solidarity with the entire family during this difficult time and send the most heartfelt, warm, and affectionate embrace,” the association said.
Barcelona also paid tribute to Jorge Messi, thanking him for entrusting the club with the early development of his son.
“FC Barcelona thanks Jorge Messi for his commitment to our club, for entrusting us with the beginning and the most glorious years of his son Leo’s football career,” the club said.
Newell’s Old Boys, Real Madrid and other soccer organizations also expressed condolences.
Lionel Messi had spent time with his father following Argentina’s World Cup campaign before returning to Inter Miami. He was expected to travel to Rosario for a private family farewell.
Jorge Messi’s death closes a significant chapter in the personal story behind one of soccer’s most celebrated careers. While Lionel Messi became the public face of that success, his father remained one of the people closest to him from his earliest days in Rosario through his years at the highest level of the sport.
Source attribution: Information in this story is based on material supplied from The Associated Press, Reuters,\
