Jorge Messi, the father and longtime representative of Argentine football legend Lionel Messi, died on Saturday at the age of 68. He had been receiving medical care at Sanatorio Centro in Rosario, Argentina, at the time of his passing.
Dr. Carlos Mackey, the medical director at the facility, confirmed that Jorge Messi died during the early hours of the morning. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, the hospital has stated that no further information regarding the specific cause of death will be disclosed.
Newell’s Old Boys, the club where Lionel Messi began his youth career, paid tribute to Jorge on social media. The club described him as a dedicated businessman and a passionate supporter of the team, noting that he and his wife, Celia Cuccittini, were the primary figures who supported their son’s journey from his early days in Malvinas to his rise as one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) issued a statement expressing its “sadness and regret at the passing of Jorge Messi, father of our captain and emblem, Lionel Messi.” The organization added, “From here we accompany with the whole family in this hard time and we send them the most heartfelt, warm, and affectionate embrace.” The Argentine national team also shared a message of support, posting an image with the phrase “Fuerza Leo” and telling the family, “We are with you in this difficult moment. We send you our most heartfelt hug.”
The South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) joined in mourning the loss, offering their condolences to Lionel and his relatives. Additionally, UNICEF, for whom Lionel Messi serves as a goodwill ambassador, honored Jorge as a benefactor who was “always committed to the rights of boys and girls.”
Throughout his son’s illustrious career, Jorge Messi served as a constant presence. He navigated the most pivotal moments of Lionel’s professional life, including his tenure at Barcelona, his exit from the club, subsequent moves to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami, and the highs and lows of his two-decade career with the Argentine national team.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) also extended its “love and affection to Lionel and his loved ones in these moments of deep sorrow.” The federation acknowledged the significant impact Messi had on Spanish football during the 2000s and 2010s.
The family had previously provided an update on Jorge’s health during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, noting at the time that he was under medical supervision and appeared to be “recovering and progressing favorably.” It remains unconfirmed whether his death is directly linked to those prior health concerns. The report also notes that to his transfers to PSG and Inter Miami, as well as his World Cup victories, he was with him during the most important chapters of his journey: from his glorious time with Barcelona and his painful departure years later. The report also notes that confirming at the time that he was undergoing medical monitoring for a health issue and was “recovering and pr, the news comes weeks after the family publicly addressed Jorge Messi’s health during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The report also notes that “His constant accompaniment and leadership behind the scenes were fundamental to supporting Lionel’s every step, from his beginnings in Malvinas to the maximum glory of world football. The report also notes that tributes poured in across the soccer world following the news.
