Jorge Messi, the father and long-time representative of Argentine football icon Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68.
Messi’s father passed away on Friday evening (local time) at a medical facility in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, following a struggle with chronic disease.
However, the exact cause of Jorge’s death has not been officially verified by the Messi family.
Jorge Messi plays major role in son Lionel Messi’s career
Jorge played a crucial role in shaping Lionel Messi’s life and career, guiding his son from his formative years in Rosario to his rise as an international soccer icon.
The health concerns began in June when the Messi family released a statement indicating that Jorge was experiencing a health issue and was receiving medical attention. At that time, the family mentioned that he was recovering and in good spirits, but they did not reveal his specific diagnosis.
This news emerged following rumors regarding Jorge’s death that circulated during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The family vehemently denounced the speculation surrounding his health and urged the media and the public to honor their privacy.
Jorge Messi played a role far beyond that of being Lionel’s father. He was instrumental in overseeing his son’s career from the very beginning and was frequently sought for advice on significant decisions related to Lionel’s move from Argentina to Barcelona.
Who is Lionel Messi’s mother?
Celia María Cuccittini, 66 years old, hails from Rosario, Argentina, where she was both born and raised. Alongside Jorge Messi, she nurtured a family of four children in an environment where hard work was consistently emphasized. Jorge worked as a factory supervisor, while Celia engaged in multiple jobs, including cleaning and a role at a magnet factory, to contribute to the family’s financial stability.
In contrast to numerous relatives of top athletes, she seldom participates in interviews and has never pursued public recognition.
Nonetheless, the connection between mother and son has always been evident. Messi has a tattoo of Celia’s face on his back, and she has consistently supported him through both his most significant triumphs and his most challenging losses, accompanying him at every phase of his career and sharing the aspiration she held for years of witnessing her son lift the World Cup trophy.
Beside Lionel, Jorge and Celia are also the parents of two older sons, Rodrigo and Matías, as well as a daughter, María Sol.
