Jorge Messi, the father of global football superstar Lionel Messi, has passed away in Rosario, Argentina, at the age of 68 following a prolonged illness. His death was officially confirmed by Newell’s Old Boys, the Argentine club where Lionel Messi played between 1995 and 2000. In a statement posted to X on Saturday morning, the club honored the elder Messi’s legacy.
The club’s tribute, translated from Spanish, described Jorge as the foundational pillar who supported the career of the greatest player of all time with vision, rigor, and affection alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini. The statement highlighted his essential role in guiding Lionel’s journey from his early days at Malvinas to the heights of international football, concluding with the sentiment, “Thank you for teaching him to love these colors.”
A former steel worker, Jorge Messi served as his son’s career manager. His health became a subject of public concern during the FIFA World Cup in June, when inaccurate reports of his death circulated. At the time, the Messi family issued a sharp rebuke against those spreading rumors and speculation, emphasizing that only immediate family members were authorized to share accurate updates.
During the opening match of his record-breaking sixth World Cup, 39-year-old Lionel Messi was visibly emotional, shedding tears after a three-goal performance that secured a 3-0 victory over Algeria. It marked the first World Cup hat trick of his career. When questioned about his reaction, Messi explained in Spanish, “Why did I cry? It was something completely unrelated to football. I have been through some difficult, complicated days.”
Messi ultimately scored eight goals across eight matches during the tournament, which concluded with Spain defeating Argentina 1-0 in the July 19 final held in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Following the World Cup, Messi took a brief leave from Inter Miami CF to visit his father in Argentina.
He returned to the pitch this past Wednesday for Miami’s Leagues Cup match against Atletico de San Luis, contributing two goals and an assist in a 4-2 victory. While the club has not yet addressed his status for upcoming fixtures, Miami is slated to face Monterrey on Saturday night, followed by another Leagues Cup match on Wednesday. The team is scheduled to resume its MLS campaign on August 15.
