For many years, Jorge Messi was the guiding force in the life of a young boy from Rosario who would rise to become one of the greatest figures in football.
Now, Lionel Messi must navigate his life without the man who paved the way for him.
Jorge Horacio Messi, Lionel Messi’s father and dedicated agent, passed away on Friday night at the age of 68 at a medical facility in Rosario, Argentina, as reported by Reuters.
His death represents a profound personal loss for the Messi family and signifies the closing of a significant chapter in the inspiring journey of Lionel Messi, from his beginnings at Newell’s Old Boys to his status as a global football icon.
The Father Behind the Football Legend
Jorge Messi was more than just the father of a well-known footballer.
He was a key figure in Lionel’s professional development, managing his affairs and guiding his career from an early age.
Lionel started his football career in Rosario before moving to Newell’s Old Boys as a child. When financial barriers threatened his treatment for growth hormone deficiency, the family faced tough decisions about his future.
At the age of 13, Lionel relocated to Spain to join Barcelona’s youth system, commencing a journey that would lead to him becoming one of the world’s most recognized athletes.
Throughout this experience, Jorge remained a steadfast presence.
He later took on the roles of Lionel’s agent and business manager, overseeing the commercial and professional aspects of a career that included stints at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami, and the Argentina national team.
A Private Family Struggle
Jorge’s health became a public concern in 2026.
During the World Cup, Lionel was seen displaying emotional reactions and later mentioned complicated personal circumstances beyond the realm of football. False reports about Jorge’s condition, including claims of his death, circulated at that time.
The family subsequently refuted those claims and confirmed that Jorge was under medical care.
He continued to receive treatment in Rosario and other locations in the months that followed.
His passing on Friday marked the end of a period filled with uncertainty.
Rosario Loses One of Its Most Famous Football Fathers
Jorge Messi’s narrative is closely linked to Rosario, the Argentine city where his son began his football journey.
Newell’s Old Boys, the club where Lionel honed his skills as a young player, acknowledged Jorge’s death and paid homage to the critical role he played in nurturing his son’s remarkable career.
For Messi fans across the globe, Jorge was often viewed as the quiet figure behind the football superstar.
While Lionel amassed Ballon d’Or trophies, celebrated major victories, and became a World Cup champion, his father stayed intricately involved in the negotiations and decisions that shaped his career.
That bond extended far beyond the confines of football.
Jorge was an integral part of the support system that helped Lionel manage the pressures of being one of the most scrutinized athletes globally.
A Family Loss Behind a Global Sporting Legacy
Jorge Messi is survived by his wife, Celia Cuccittini, along with their children, Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol, and his grandchildren.
The football community is mourning the loss of a person whose impact largely occurred off the field.
Lionel Messi’s legacy will be forever intertwined with the goals, titles, and historic moments that established him as a global icon.
However, behind that impressive career was a father who played a crucial role in the journey from the streets and youth fields of Rosario to the grandest arenas in football.
Jorge Messi was 68.
His passing leaves Lionel and the Messi family grappling with a loss that no trophy can repair.
