Jorge Messi, the father and longtime agent of Lionel Messi, died early Saturday at a clinic in Rosario, Argentina. He was 68 and had been battling an undisclosed illness since this year's World Cup.
Newell's Old Boys, the club where Lionel Messi began his career as a boy in Argentina, confirmed the death. In a statement from Sanatorio Centro, Dr. Carlos Mackey, the hospital's medical director, said Jorge Messi died overnight and that no further details would be released out of respect for the family's privacy.
Club pays tribute
Newell's Old Boys said it bid farewell with deep pain and sorrow to Jorge Messi, a well known supporter of the club, businessman and father of Argentina national team captain Lionel Andres Messi. The club said Jorge had been the support and the person who, alongside his wife Celia Cuccittini, built the career of the best player of all time with vision, rigor and affection.
The club added that his constant presence and behind the scenes leadership were fundamental in backing every step of Lionel's career, from his beginnings in Malvinas to the sport's greatest glory, and thanked him for teaching his son to love the club's colors. It sent condolences to Celia, Lionel, and his siblings Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol.
Family and career
Jorge Messi was married to Celia Cuccittini, Lionel's mother, and was also father to Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol. He oversaw the hormonal treatment Lionel received as a child and accompanied him throughout his career.
During this year's World Cup, Jorge was under medical care for an undisclosed illness. News of his death came after Lionel Messi was seen in tears after scoring a hat trick against Algeria in Argentina's opening Group J match of the 2026 World Cup.
