Jorge Messi, the father of football superstar Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 in Rosario, Argentina, following a prolonged illness. His passing was confirmed by Newell’s Old Boys, the Argentine club where Lionel played between 1995 and 2000. In a statement posted to X on Saturday, the club honored the elder Messi, describing him as a foundational figure who supported his son’s career with vision, rigor, and affection alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini.
The club’s tribute highlighted Jorge’s role in guiding Lionel’s journey from his early days at Malvinas to the highest levels of global football, stating, “His constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership were essential in backing every step of Lionel… Thank you for teaching him to love these colors.”
Jorge Messi, a former steel worker, served as his son’s career manager. His health became a subject of public concern during the FIFA World Cup in June, when inaccurate reports of his death circulated. At that time, the Messi family issued a sharp response, criticizing those who spread rumors and emphasizing that only immediate family members should be considered sources of accurate information.
During the opening match of his record sixth World Cup, 39-year-old Lionel Messi was visibly emotional after scoring a hat trick in a 3-0 victory against Algeria. When questioned about his tears, the forward admitted, “It was something completely unrelated to football. I have been through some difficult, complicated days.” Throughout the tournament, Messi scored eight goals in eight matches, ultimately leading Argentina to the final on July 19 in East Rutherford, New Jersey, where they fell 1-0 to Spain.
Following the World Cup, Messi took a leave of absence from Inter Miami CF, reportedly to visit his father in Argentina. He returned to action this past Wednesday, contributing two goals and an assist in a 4-2 Leagues Cup victory over Atletico de San Luis held in Miami.
Inter Miami has not yet provided an update regarding Messi’s availability for upcoming fixtures. The team is set to face Monterrey in the Leagues Cup on Saturday night, with another match scheduled for the following Wednesday. The club is slated to resume its MLS campaign on August 15.
