Jorge Messi passes away in Rosario
Jorge Messi, father and agent of Lionel Messi, has passed away at the age of 68 following a long illness. He died in a hospital in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, during the early hours of Saturday morning. The family announced his passing, noting that he had spent his final months moving between a medical centre in Rosario and his home, accompanied by his wife, Celia Cuccittini, and his children Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol.
Jorge had served as his son’s agent since Lionel was 14 years old. His support was considered crucial in Lionel’s journey to becoming a prominent football player. Newell’s Old Boys, Jorge’s local team and Lionel’s first club, acknowledged his death in a social media post. The club 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.”
The Argentine Football Association also expressed its condolences, stating it “deeply mourns with sadness and sorrow the passing of Jorge Messi, father of our captain and emblem, Lionel Messi.” The association added, “From here, we stand in solidarity with the entire family during this difficult time and send the most heartfelt, warm, and affectionate embrace.” FC Barcelona, where Lionel Messi spent a significant part of his career, thanked Jorge for his commitment to the club and for entrusting them with the beginnings and most glorious years of his son’s football journey.
A life dedicated to his son’s career
Jorge Messi’s role in his son’s career began early. Lionel joined Newell’s Old Boys when he was seven years old. The family later relocated to Spain in February 2001 after Lionel was signed by Barcelona at the age of 13. While Lionel’s mother and three siblings eventually returned to Rosario, Jorge remained with his son in Barcelona, providing constant companionship and leadership behind the scenes.
His dedication was evident from the early days, including taking the step to Europe when neither Newell’s Old Boys nor River Plate were willing to cover the costs for Lionel’s necessary growth treatment. A significant moment in their journey was the agreement to sign for Barcelona, reportedly penned on a napkin with then-sporting director Carles Rexach on December 14, 2000, at the Pompeia Tennis Club. Lionel then progressed through La Masia, Barcelona’s youth academy, to become the club’s all-time leading scorer.
Jorge was present to witness many of his son’s achievements, including Lionel ending his quest to lead Argentina to their third World Cup triumph in 2022 in Qatar. Lionel Messi has also won the Ballon d’Or eight times, the Champions League four times with Barcelona, and 10 La Liga titles during his 17 seasons in Barcelona’s first team.
Health concerns and family statements
Speculation regarding Jorge Messi’s health had emerged during this summer’s World Cup. The Messi family had issued a statement at that time, confirming he was dealing with a “health-related situation” but did not disclose the specific nature of his condition. Lionel Messi himself had spoken about going through a difficult personal situation after Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria during the tournament, attributing his emotional reaction to “something unrelated to football” after experiencing “a few difficult, complicated days.”
Reports during the World Cup had indicated that Jorge Messi was undergoing treatment for an unspecified illness. Days after Lionel’s emotional comments, the family clarified that Jorge had been “under medical monitoring, recovering and evolving favorably within the condition he presents.” However, his long battle with illness ultimately concluded with his passing in Rosario on Saturday.
Lionel Messi had spent time with his father after the World Cup before rejoining his club, Inter Miami, for whom he returned to action a week ago. Inter Miami is scheduled to play Monterrey on Saturday at home in the 2026 Leagues Cup.
Source: bbc.co.uk
