Sad News Out of Argentina
Jorge Messi, the father of soccer superstar Lionel Messi and one of the most important figures behind his son’s extraordinary career, has died at the age of 68. Jorge passed away Friday night, August 7th, at a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina, following a prolonged illness. His death was confirmed by the Messi family, with reports stating that he had spent his final months moving between medical care and his home, where he was surrounded by his wife, Celia, and their children.
While Jorge had been dealing with serious health problems for some time, the family has not publicly revealed the specific illness or an official medical cause of death. That has not stopped the rumor machine from doing what the rumor machine does best, but there is currently no credible confirmation of a particular disease or condition.
Jorge was More Than a Father… He Was a Coach and a Mentor
For Lionel Messi, however, Jorge was far more than simply his father. He was a constant presence throughout the soccer star’s life and career, serving for years as his agent, adviser and business representative. Jorge was born and raised in Argentina and worked as a chemical technician before becoming involved in the steel industry.
He also had a soccer background of his own, playing as a midfielder and reaching the youth ranks of Newell’s Old Boys in Rosario, the same club where his son Lionel would eventually begin his youth career. Jorge’s own playing ambitions ended when he had to leave soccer to complete Argentina’s mandatory military service, but his connection to the sport would ultimately become the foundation of his family’s future.
The Early Years
Jorge and Celia Cuccittini raised four children, with Lionel being their third. From the beginning, Jorge recognized that his son possessed extraordinary soccer ability. When Lionel was still a boy in Rosario, Jorge became deeply involved in developing his career and eventually made one of the most consequential decisions in soccer history: helping his young son pursue an opportunity in Spain with FC Barcelona.
Jorge traveled with Lionel to Barcelona in the early 2000s when the teenager was being evaluated by the club. That opportunity eventually led Lionel into Barcelona’s famous La Masia academy and set him on the path toward becoming one of the greatest soccer players the world has ever seen.
The move to Spain was not easy for the family, particularly for a young Lionel who was leaving Argentina and everything familiar to him. Messi later recalled how difficult those early days in Barcelona could be. He described moments when both he and his father struggled emotionally while trying to adjust to their new lives.
Jorge remained beside his son and supported the decision to stay when Lionel was struggling with homesickness and uncertainty. That relationship continued long after Lionel became a professional player and eventually one of the most recognizable athletes on the planet. Messi has also spoken about how much he valued his father’s opinion, saying that even after becoming a star he would still ask Jorge what he thought about his performances.
Jorge Messi: Agent, Businessman, Negotiator
As Lionel’s career exploded, Jorge became an important figure behind the scenes. He represented his son in negotiations and helped manage contracts, business interests, image rights and other financial affairs. He was involved during Lionel’s years at Barcelona and later during his moves to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami. Jorge’s role was not always without controversy. In 2013, Spanish authorities accused Lionel and Jorge Messi of attempting to conceal income related to the player’s image rights. Jorge ultimately paid more than 5 million euros in back taxes and interest. Despite the controversy, he remained a central figure in the business side of his son’s career.
A Health Turn for the Worse
Jorge’s health became a matter of public attention earlier this year after Lionel Messi became visibly emotional following Argentina’s opening match against Algeria during the 2026 World Cup. Messi had just scored a hat trick when he broke down in tears. When reporters asked whether the emotion was connected to soccer, Messi made it clear that it was not. He explained that he had been going through “difficult, complicated days.” Shortly afterward, the Messi family confirmed that Jorge was dealing with a health problem and receiving medical treatment. The family also strongly criticized media speculation and asked that Jorge’s medical situation remain private.
The situation appeared to weigh heavily on Lionel in the weeks that followed. Reports indicated that Messi spent time with his father after the World Cup and later missed the MLS All-Star Game as he traveled to be with his family. He eventually returned to action for Inter Miami, but the personal circumstances surrounding his father’s health remained largely private. Jorge’s final months were reportedly spent receiving treatment in Rosario while being cared for by his family.
RIP Jorge… You Will be Missed
The news of Jorge’s death has prompted condolences throughout the soccer world. Newell’s Old Boys, the club where Jorge had once been involved as a young player and where Lionel began his own journey, described him as a pillar who supported his son’s career with vision, discipline and affection. The Argentine Football Association also announced that moments of silence would be observed at matches throughout the country’s soccer divisions, with players, coaches and referees wearing black armbands in his memory. FC Barcelona paid tribute as well, thanking Jorge for the role he played in entrusting the club with the beginning and most successful years of his son’s career.
There is an almost unavoidable irony in Jorge Messi’s life story. He never became the famous soccer player he once dreamed of being, but he helped raise one. The boy from Rosario who followed his father to Barcelona became an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, a World Cup champion and arguably the most accomplished soccer player of his generation.
Behind the trophies, records and billions of dollars associated with Lionel Messi’s career was a father who spent decades helping guide him. Jorge Messi’s death therefore represents the loss of not merely a famous athlete’s father, but one of the people who was present before the fame, before the trophies and before the world knew the name Lionel Messi.
*****Editor’s Note*****
Jorge Messi was 68 years old. He is survived by his wife, Celia, and their children Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol. His family has chosen to keep the details of his illness private, and at this point there is no verified public information identifying a specific disease as the cause of his death. What is known is that he endured a lengthy health battle surrounded by his family, and that one of the world’s greatest athletes is now facing perhaps the most personal loss of his life.
And another thing must be mentioned. Jorge is looking down at his boy so proudly. He created the “greatest soccer (football) player on Earth”. That in and of itself is magical and deserves celebration. Gracias, Jorge!!
