Sad news: Lionel Messi’s father Jorge Messi passes away at 68

Sad news: Lionel Messi’s father Jorge Messi passes away at 68

The football world is mourning the loss of Jorge Horacio Messi, father of Lionel Messi, who passed away on Friday night at the age of 68 in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina.

According to multiple reports from Argentine media, including Infobae, Jorge died in a clinic in Rosario after a long battle with illness. He leaves behind his wife Celia Cuccittini, sons Lionel, Rodrigo and Matías, daughter María Sol, and several grandchildren.A constant presence throughout Lionel’s careerJorge was far more than just a father. For decades he served as Lionel’s agent and closest advisor, guiding every major step of one of the greatest careers in football history.

When a young Lionel needed growth hormone treatment that the family could not afford in Argentina, it was Jorge who made the difficult decision to move with his son to Barcelona. While the rest of the family stayed behind at first, Jorge stayed by Lionel’s side in Spain, helping secure the medical care, the contract with Barcelona’s academy, and the support the family needed to rebuild their life in Europe.He remained deeply involved in every transfer and business decision that followed — from the years at Barcelona to the moves to Paris Saint-Germain and later Inter Miami. Quiet, reserved and fiercely protective, Jorge preferred to stay in the background while making sure his son could focus on what he did best.

The difficult months during the 2026 World Cup

Jorge’s health problems became public knowledge during this summer’s World Cup. After Lionel scored a hat-trick in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria, he was seen wiping away tears. He later explained that the emotion had nothing to do with football and that he was going through “difficult, complicated days” related to his family.A false rumour that Jorge had died circulated briefly during the tournament, prompting the Messi family to issue a clear statement. They confirmed that Jorge was “under medical monitoring, recovering and evolving favourably within the condition he presents,” and asked the media for “responsibility, prudence and humanity.”Argentina went on to reach the final of the 2026 World Cup, where they ultimately finished as runners-up after a 1-0 defeat to Spain. Throughout the tournament, Lionel continued to carry both the weight of a nation’s expectations and the private worry about his father’s health.

A quiet but essential figure

Those who knew Jorge describe a man of few words who always put his family first. He was the steady presence behind the scenes while Lionel became a global icon. From the dusty pitches of Rosario to the biggest stages in world football, Jorge Messi was there — supporting, protecting and believing.The football community has begun sharing messages of condolence. Newell’s Old Boys, the club where Lionel first played as a boy and where Jorge was a lifelong supporter, released a statement remembering him as the person who “supported and guided the career of the greatest player of all time with vision, rigour and affection.”At this difficult time, thoughts are with Lionel, Celia, and the entire Messi family.

Rest in peace, Jorge Messi.