Jorge Messi, father and agent of Lionel Messi, has died aged 68 at a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina, after a long illness, the family announced. He spent his final months alternating between the clinic and his home, accompanied by his wife, Celia, and children Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol.
Family and football
Lionel Messi spent time with his father after the World Cup before rejoining Inter Miami, where he returned to action a week ago. Inter Miami are due to play Monterrey on Saturday at home in the 2026 Leagues Cup, but the club has not yet announced whether he will feature.
Newell’s Old Boys announced the death in a social media post, saying he had undergone treatment in recent months for an unspecified illness. The post described him as “the pillar and the person who, with vision, rigour and affection, supported the career of the best player of all time, alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini”.
Condolences and legacy
The Argentinian FA expressed condolences, saying: “From here, we stand in solidarity with the entire family during this difficult time and send the most heartfelt, warm, and affectionate embrace. Strength to you all.”
At the World Cup, Lionel Messi said after Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria that he was going through a difficult personal situation, later explaining his tears were due to “something unrelated to football” after going through “a few difficult, complicated days”. There was speculation his emotional reaction to Argentina’s last-16 victory over Egypt was partly due to his father’s deteriorating condition. Days later, the family issued a statement on Jorge Messi’s “health situation”.
Jorge Messi closely accompanied his son throughout his career, starting at Barcelona, and served as his representative for several years. Lionel Messi once said: “I always needed my dad’s approval, ever since I was a kid. After every match, I’d ask him what he thought of how I played.”
