Jorge Messi, father and representative of Lionel, has died: he was 68 years old

Jorge Messi, father of Lionel Messi, died at the age of 68 in a sanatorium in Rosario after battling a long illness. Husband of Celia Cuccittini and father of Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol, he accompanied the Argentine captain throughout his career and was a decisive figure in his professional development.

His health had raised concerns during the 2026 World Cup. After scoring in Argentina's debut, Lionel explained through tears: “It’s for a reason completely unrelated to sports, I went through some difficult, complicated days”.

Days later, he elaborated: “The truth is it’s for the family more than anything. Because he’s always there, always supporting. Now we are in a difficult moment”.

The man who stayed with Lionel in Barcelona

Jorge Messi trained as a chemical technician and worked at Acindar. He had also played football in the youth divisions of Newell’s before leaving the sport after completing military service.

With Lionel still a child, he began a battle to obtain the hormonal treatment he needed. He was the one who pushed for alternatives when Newell’s could not resolve the situation and later led the negotiations that ultimately took Messi to Barcelona at just 13 years old.

The start in Spain was difficult. Part of the family returned to Rosario, while Jorge stayed with Lionel.

Years later, Messi recalled that decision: “My dad asked me what I wanted to do, do you want to continue or should we go back? I wanted to continue and he stayed with me”.

He also revealed the emotional impact of those months: “My dad was always by my side. We went through a lot of tough times. Sometimes I would lock myself in my room and cry alone, or he would do the same without me seeing him”.

Father, representative, and advisor

As Lionel's career began to grow, Jorge also became his representative. He took charge of contracts, commercial agreements, and negotiations with some of the world's leading companies, although he maintained an extremely low public profile for many years.

In one of his few television appearances, he left a message for his son: “Above being a good football player, you are an excellent person”.

His presence was common during World Cups and major matches of the National Team. That’s why his absence during the last World Cup drew attention.