Jorge Messi, who played a central role in his son’s career, dies after ongoing health problems
Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, has died at the age of 68, two months after his family revealed that he had been hospitalised while receiving treatment for an ongoing health condition.
Jorge reportedly died at a hospital in Rosario, Argentina, close to the family home, at around 10pm local time on Friday, August 7. His death was first reported by Argentine media before being confirmed by Newell’s Old Boys, the club where Lionel Messi began his football career.
The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Newell’s Old Boys pays tribute
Newell’s Old Boys described Jorge as a devoted supporter of the club and praised his important role in the development of his son’s career.
The club said Jorge supported Messi from his early days at the Malvinas academy through his rise to becoming one of the world’s most successful footballers.
The Argentine club also extended its condolences to Lionel Messi, his mother Celia Cuccittini, his siblings Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol, and the wider family.
A key figure in Messi’s career
Jorge was a central figure throughout Messi’s professional career. He worked as his son’s agent and business manager, helping oversee his professional affairs and commercial interests.
From Messi’s early years in Rosario to his emergence as a global football star, Jorge remained closely involved in decisions surrounding his son’s career.
His support was particularly important during Messi’s formative years, when the young footballer was developing his skills before eventually moving to Barcelona.
The relationship between father and son remained an important part of Messi’s life even after he became one of the most recognised athletes in the world.
Family health concerns
Jorge’s health problems became public earlier this year after reports said he had suffered a medical episode at his home in January and was subsequently taken to hospital.
Messi later spoke about a difficult period affecting his family after appearing emotional following Argentina’s World Cup match against Algeria.
When asked about his emotions after scoring a hat-trick, Messi said the situation was unrelated to football and that his family had been going through difficult days.
Argentine journalist Eduardo Feinmann later reported that Jorge had been experiencing health problems for several months.
Tributes from football world
News of Jorge’s death has prompted tributes from the football community.
The South American football governing body CONMEBOL expressed its condolences to Messi and his family, offering its support during what it described as a period of profound grief.
Jorge’s death marks a personal loss for Messi, whose father was closely involved in his journey from a young player at Newell’s Old Boys to an international football icon.
As tributes continue to emerge, football fans and organisations around the world are remembering Jorge for the important role he played behind the scenes in supporting his son’s extraordinary career.
