Jorge Messi dies aged 68 after long illness
Lionel Messi's father, Jorge, has died aged 68 in a hospital in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, in the early hours of Saturday morning following a long illness. He had served as his son's agent since Lionel was 14.
Jorge Messi played a role in Lionel's career milestones, including helping him win a record eight Ballon d'Or awards and the best player of the tournament trophy as Argentina won the 2022 World Cup. Lionel Messi is described in the source as the Inter Miami forward, 39, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner who won the Champions League four times with Barcelona and 10 La Liga titles across 17 seasons in their first team. Jorge supported local club Newell's Old Boys; Lionel joined Newell's when he was seven. The family relocated to Spain in February 2001 after Lionel was signed by Barca aged 13, and while Messi's mother and three siblings soon moved back to Rosario, his father remained with him in Barcelona.
After speculation about Jorge Messi's health during this summer's World Cup, the family issued a statement saying he was dealing with a "health-related situation" but did not disclose the nature of his condition. The source reports that this statement followed public attention to his condition during the tournament.
The source states Jorge was in Qatar to see Lionel end his quest to lead Argentina to their third World Cup triumph in 2022. A photograph caption in the original article notes "Jorge Messi (seated centre) at home with his family in 2003."
Newell's Old Boys posted on X: "Jorge was the pillar and the person who supported with vision, rigor and affection the career of the greatest player of all time alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini." The club added: "His constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership were essential in backing every step of Lionel, from his beginnings at Malvinas [youth academy] to the pinnacle of world football glory. "Thank you for teaching him to love these colours." The club also said it "embrace with affection Celia, Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol, and all their loved ones and close ones in this difficult moment".
Barcelona issued a message thanking Jorge "for his commitment to our club, for entrusting us with the beginnings and the most glorious years of his son Leo's football career". The Argentine Football Association said it "deeply mourns with sadness and sorrow the passing of Jorge Messi, father of our captain and emblem, Lionel Messi" and added: "From here, we stand in solidarity with the entire family during this difficult time and send the most heartfelt, warm and affectionate embrace."
The source reports that an Argentine television presenter had falsely reported Jorge's death during Argentina's opening game at this summer's World Cup and later resigned. The Messi family expressed their "deep discomfort with the lack of sensitivity, respect and discretion with which some people have treated what is strictly a private family matter".