Jorge Horacio Messi, the father and longtime confidant of Argentine football icon Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 following a prolonged illness. He passed away at a medical clinic in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, the Messi family confirmed.
Jorge Messi spent his final months alternating between a medical centre in Rosario and his home, surrounded by his wife, Celia Cuccittini, and their children Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol. Lionel Messi was able to spend time with his father upon returning from the 2026 FIFA World Cup before rejoining Inter Miami, where he recently returned to action.
Born and raised in Argentina, Jorge Messi worked as a supervisor at a steel factory before dedicating himself fully to supporting his son’s extraordinary career. He played a pivotal role from Lionel’s early days at Newell’s Old Boys in Rosario, including advocating for treatment of the growth hormone deficiency that affected the young player.
When Lionel moved to Barcelona as a teenager, Jorge accompanied him during the critical early period of adaptation, later serving for several years as his representative and a steady pillar of support throughout a career that spanned Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami.
Newell’s Old Boys, the club where Lionel Messi began his football journey, issued a statement mourning the loss: “Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys bids farewell with deep sorrow and grief to Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 in the city of Rosario. Jorge was the pillar and the person who supported with vision, rigor, and affection the career of the greatest player of all time alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini.”
Lionel Messi has previously spoken of his father’s importance, saying: “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.”
Tributes have also come from CONMEBOL, the Argentina national team, and other football institutions, recognising Jorge Messi’s quiet but essential influence behind one of the greatest careers in the history of the sport.
Jorge Messi is survived by his wife Celia, his four children Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol and his grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. The family has requested privacy during this time of mourning.