Jorge Messi, father of football star Lionel Messi and a longtime adviser to his son, died Friday night in Rosario, Argentina, according to reports from Argentine and Spanish media outlets including Infobae, La Nación, Olé and El Español.
Reports said Jorge Messi died at around 10 pm local time at a clinic in Rosario. The Messi family had not publicly confirmed the death at the time of publication.
Newell’s Old Boys, the Rosario club where Lionel Messi began his youth career, publicly mourned Jorge Messi’s death.
The club described him as an important figure who supported Lionel’s development from his early years and later accompanied him through his rise to the top of world football.
Jorge Messi’s Role in Lionel Messi’s Early Career
Jorge Messi was closely involved in his son’s football development from the beginning. When Lionel was a young player in Argentina, concerns surrounding the cost of his growth treatment became an important factor in the family’s decision to pursue opportunities in Europe.
According to the supplied reports, Argentine clubs including Newell’s Old Boys and River Plate were unwilling or unable to finance the treatment needed for Lionel’s continued growth.
Jorge subsequently took the significant step of bringing his son to Spain in search of a path forward. That decision eventually led to one of the most famous moments in Barcelona’s history.
On Dec. 14, 2000, an agreement for Lionel Messi to join Barcelona was famously written on a napkin at the Pompeia Tennis Club, involving then Barcelona sporting director Carles Rexach.
After moving to Barcelona, Lionel Messi entered the club’s La Masia academy and developed into its most prolific player.
The supplied reports credit Jorge Messi with remaining closely involved in his son’s career and serving as his agent and adviser. Lionel ultimately scored 672 goals in 778 appearances for Barcelona, according to the material provided.
Jorge’s influence therefore extended beyond his role as a parent. He was involved in important decisions during the early stages of Lionel’s professional career and remained a close confidant as his son became one of football’s most accomplished players.
Health Concerns Before His Death
Jorge Messi’s health had become a subject of public discussion during the 2026 World Cup. Lionel Messi was asked about his emotional moments during the tournament by former Argentina international Juan Pablo Sorin.
Messi said his emotions were connected primarily to his family and acknowledged that they were going through a difficult period.
Following reports about Jorge’s condition, the Messi family issued a statement saying that he was under medical monitoring and was recovering favorably within the condition he was experiencing.
The family did not publicly disclose the specific diagnosis in the supplied reports.
The reports also said that rumors of Jorge Messi’s death had circulated earlier, which the family had rejected while asking for privacy regarding his health.
Newell’s Old Boys paid tribute to Jorge Messi after reports of his death emerged. The club highlighted his role in supporting Lionel from his beginnings at the club’s youth setup through his eventual achievements in world football.
The Argentine club also expressed condolences to Jorge’s wife, Celia Cuccittini, his children Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol, as well as the wider family.
Jorge Messi’s importance to Lionel Messi’s career is closely tied to the decisions made during the player’s childhood.
His willingness to pursue an opportunity in Europe helped create the circumstances that eventually brought Lionel to Barcelona.
For Barcelona supporters, Jorge’s death also marks the loss of a figure associated with the early development of the player who went on to become the club’s record goalscorer.
Lionel Messi currently plays for Inter Miami in Major League Soccer, according to the supplied reports.
Who was Jorge Messi?
Jorge Messi was Lionel Messi’s father, longtime adviser and agent. He played a significant role in managing and supporting Lionel’s football career from his youth years onward.
How old was Jorge Messi when he died?
Jorge Messi was 68, according to multiple reports and a statement from Newell’s Old Boys cited in the supplied sources.
What was Jorge Messi’s cause of death?
The exact cause of death had not been officially confirmed by the Messi family in the supplied reports. Reports said he had been receiving medical care for a health condition before his death.
