The global football community is in mourning following the passing of Jorge Messi, the father, foundational mentor and long-time agent of eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, at 68 after a prolonged battle with illness. He died in the early hours of Saturday at a hospital in his native Rosario, Argentina, the city where the Messi story first began.
Speculation over Jorge’s health had circulated widely during this summer’s World Cup, prompting the Messi family to release a statement confirming he was managing an undisclosed private health issue, without sharing further details of his condition at the time. This was not the first time unfounded rumors of his death spread: earlier this year, an Argentine television presenter falsely announced Jorge’s passing during Argentina’s opening World Cup match, leading to the presenter’s resignation and a sharp rebuke from the family, who condemned the irresponsible violation of their privacy.
Jorge Messi’s legacy is inextricably tied to the rise of Lionel Messi, widely regarded as the greatest men’s footballer to ever step onto the pitch. He began serving as his son’s agent when Lionel was just 14 years old, guiding every major step of his career from a prodigious child prospect to a global icon. He was present in Qatar in 2022 to witness the crowning achievement of Lionel’s career, as Argentina lifted their third World Cup trophy, fulfilling a decades-long dream for both father and son.
Jorge, a lifelong supporter of Argentine club Newell’s Old Boys, first brought 7-year-old Lionel into the club’s youth academy, laying the groundwork for his extraordinary career. When Lionel was scouted and signed by FC Barcelona at age 13, the family relocated to Spain in 2001. While Messi’s mother and three siblings later returned to Rosario, Jorge remained in Barcelona to support his son through the early, formative years of his professional career.
Tributes have poured in from across the global football community following the announcement of his passing. Newell’s Old Boys, the club that Jorge supported his entire life, honored his foundational role in a post on X, writing: “Jorge was 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. His constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership were essential in backing every step of Lionel, from his beginnings at Malvinas [youth academy] to the pinnacle of world football glory. Thank you for teaching him to love these colours.” The club also extended its condolences to the entire Messi family during their period of grief.
FC Barcelona, the club where Lionel spent the first 21 years of his professional career winning four Champions League titles and 10 La Liga crowns, thanked Jorge for his trust and contribution to the club’s most successful era: “for his commitment to our club, for entrusting us with the beginnings and the most glorious years of his son Leo’s football career.”
The Argentine Football Association also released a statement mourning his loss, saying it “deeply mourns with sadness and sorrow the passing of Jorge Messi, father of our captain and emblem, Lionel Messi. From here, we stand in solidarity with the entire family during this difficult time and send the most heartfelt, warm and affectionate embrace.”
Lionel Messi, currently 39, plays professionally for Major League Soccer side Inter Miami. He has not yet released a public statement following his father’s passing as of the publication of this report.