- Jorge Messi has died at 68 in Argentina
- He played a major role in Lionel Messi’s career
- Newell’s Old Boys paid tribute to him
Lionel Messi’s father and longtime adviser, Jorge Messi, has reportedly died at the age of 68, according to reports from Argentine and Spanish media.
Eko Hot Blog gathered that Jorge reportedly passed away in Rosario, Argentina, on Friday night at about 10pm local time.
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The Messi family had not issued an official statement at the time of the reports.
Newell’s Old Boys, where Lionel Messi began his youth football journey, confirmed Jorge’s death in a social media tribute. The Argentine club described him as a devoted supporter and a key figure who stood behind his son throughout his career.
The club praised Jorge for his role in guiding Lionel from his early days in Rosario to becoming one of the most celebrated footballers in history.
“Jorge was the pillar and the person who supported with vision, rigor, and affection the career of the greatest player of all time,” Newell’s said in its tribute.
The club also expressed condolences to Lionel, his mother Celia Cuccittini, his siblings Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol, as well as the wider Messi family.
Jorge’s health had previously attracted attention, particularly during the 2022 World Cup when Lionel Messi appeared emotional while discussing his family.
At the time, Messi acknowledged that his family was going through a difficult period. The family later said Jorge was receiving medical care and showing improvement in his condition.
Jorge Messi played a significant role in his son’s rise from a young footballer in Argentina to a global superstar.
When Lionel was a teenager, Jorge took him to Spain after treatment for a growth-related condition became difficult to finance in Argentina. His move eventually led to Lionel joining Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy.
A famous agreement to bring the young Messi to Barcelona was reportedly written on a napkin in December 2000 after then-club sporting director Carles Rexach agreed to sign him.
Lionel went on to become Barcelona’s all-time leading goalscorer, scoring 672 goals in 778 appearances for the club, with Jorge serving as his agent for much of his career.
Jorge Messi is survived by his wife, Celia, his children Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol, and his grandchildren.
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