Jorge Messi, father and agent of Lionel Messi, dies at 68

Jorge Messi, the father and longtime agent of Lionel Messi, has died at 68 after an illness, drawing condolences from soccer organizations across South America and from the first club where his son played.

His death was confirmed by CONMEBOL, the South American football federation; the Argentina National Football Team; Newell’s Old Boys; and a family statement provided to Reuters. The Guardian reported that he died at a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina, after a long illness, and that he had spent his final months alternating between a medical center and his home, accompanied by his wife, Celia Cuccittini, and his children Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol.

“CONMEBOL deeply regrets the passing of Jorge Messi, father of Argentine footballer Lionel Messi,” the federation said in a statement translated from Spanish on social media. “We accompany Lionel, his family, friends, and loved ones with respect and affection in this moment of profound grief. May he rest in peace.”

The Argentina National Football Team also offered condolences. “Sending our deepest strength to Leo Messi and his family,” it said in a brief social media statement. “We’re with you during this difficult time and sending you our warmest embrace.” The Argentine FA said in a separate statement quoted by The Guardian: “From here, we stand in solidarity with the entire family during this difficult time and send the most heartfelt, warm, and affectionate embrace. Strength to you all.”

Jorge Messi played a central role in his son’s rise from Argentina to global soccer stardom. He took Lionel Messi to Barcelona for his first tryout with the Spanish club in 2000 and moved to Spain with him after the club signed him. Lionel Messi made his Barcelona debut at 16. His father later became his agent, representing him through deals with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and his current club, Inter Miami of Major League Soccer.

Newell’s Old Boys, the Rosario club where Lionel Messi first played in Argentina, said Jorge Messi had undergone treatment in recent months for an unspecified illness and praised his role in his son’s career.

“Jorge was the pillar of strength and the person who, along with his wife, Celia Cuccittini, supported the career of the greatest player of all time with vision, rigor, and affection,” the club said. “His constant support and behind-the-scenes leadership were fundamental in backing every step of Lionel’s journey, from his beginnings in the Falklands to the pinnacle of world football glory.”

“Thank you for teaching him to love these colors,” the club added.

Lionel Messi has spoken publicly about his father’s influence. “I always needed my dad’s approval, ever since I was a kid. After every match, I’d ask him what he thought of how I played,” he said, according to The Guardian.

Jorge Messi’s health had become a private concern for the family during this year’s World Cup. Lionel Messi was visibly emotional after scoring a hat trick in Argentina’s first match against Algeria, later saying the tears were caused by “something unrelated to football.” The Guardian reported that he also said he had gone through “a few difficult, complicated days.”

After speculation about Jorge Messi’s condition, the family released a statement saying he was “going through a health-related situation” and was “under medical care, recovering and evolving favorably, given the condition he is experiencing.” The family criticized “rumors and speculations” about his health and asked that the matter remain private.

Lionel Messi spent time with his father after the World Cup before rejoining Inter Miami, The Guardian reported. Inter Miami were scheduled to play Monterrey at home on Saturday in the Leagues Cup, but the club had not announced whether Messi would play after his father’s death.