Jorge Messi, Father and Longtime Agent of Lionel Messi, Dies at 68

Lionel Messi’s father and longtime agent, Jorge Messi, has died at the age of 68, according to multiple reports. The Argentine football icon’s family confirmed the passing, which occurred weeks after the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where Messi was seen grappling with emotional turmoil amid his father’s declining health.

Jorge Messi, who played a pivotal role in shaping his son’s career, spent his final months alternating between a medical clinic in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, and his home, accompanied by his wife, Cecilia Cuccittini, and their children Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol. The family had previously issued a statement revealing his health struggles, though details about the specific illness remained undisclosed. Argentine media outlets described the condition as long-term, with conflicting reports of optimism during the World Cup, when Messi’s father was under medical monitoring.

Messi’s emotional state during the tournament drew attention, particularly after he broke down in tears following Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria in the opening match. While he later attributed the moment to “something unrelated to football,” speculation linked his distress to his father’s deteriorating condition. The World Cup campaign ended in heartbreak for Argentina, as the team fell 1-0 to Spain in the final at MetLife Stadium, marking a second consecutive World Cup final loss for the Messi-era squad.

Jorge Messi’s influence on his son’s career began in the early days of Lionel’s development. As a young player, Messi faced a growth hormone deficiency, a challenge his father actively worked to overcome by redirecting family resources to fund treatment. This support helped launch Lionel’s journey from Newell’s Old Boys in Rosario to Barcelona, where he became a global superstar. Jorge later served as his son’s agent, guiding key moves to Inter Miami and maintaining a behind-the-scenes presence throughout Messi’s career.

The football world has responded with tributes to Jorge Messi, whose role as both a family figure and a strategic advisor left an indelible mark. Newell’s Old Boys, the club where Messi began his professional career, honored him as “the pillar and the person who, with vision, rigour and affection, supported the career of the best player of all time.” The South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) also expressed condolences, calling for respect and affection for Lionel Messi during this difficult time.

Messi, who reunited with his father after the World Cup, returned to action with Inter Miami a week before the news of his father’s death. The MLS club has yet to announce whether he will feature in their upcoming Leagues Cup match against Monterrey. Meanwhile, the Messi family’s legacy endures, with Jorge’s wife and children continuing to navigate the emotional aftermath of his passing.

The circumstances surrounding Jorge Messi’s illness and death remain shrouded in limited detail, but his impact on football history is undeniable. As the sport mourns the loss of a man who shaped one of its greatest legends, the focus remains on the enduring bond between father and son, a relationship that defined both personal and professional milestones for Lionel Messi.