Jorge Messi, father of football superstar Lionel Messi, has died at age 68 in Rosario, Argentina, following a prolonged illness. Newell’s Old Boys, the prestigious Argentine club where Lionel Messi played from 1995 to 2000, confirmed his passing and paid tribute to the elder Messi in a statement posted to X on Saturday morning.
“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,” read the statement, translated from Spanish. The club added, “His constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership were essential in backing every step of Lionel, from his beginnings at Malvinas to the pinnacle of world football glory. Thank you for teaching him to love these colors.”
A former steel worker, Jorge Messi managed his son’s career. His health became a public focus during the FIFA World Cup in June when reports falsely claimed he had died. The Messi family responded with a terse statement blasting those who engaged in “rumors and speculation,” cautioning that only immediate family members could provide accurate information.
During the opener of his record sixth World Cup, 39-year-old Lionel Messi was brought to tears following his three-goal performance in a 3-0 victory over Algeria, marking his first World Cup hat trick. When asked about his emotional state after the match, Messi said in Spanish, “Why did I cry? It was something completely unrelated to football. I have been through some difficult, complicated days.”
Messi scored eight goals in eight matches during the tournament. Spain eventually defeated Argentina 1-0 in the final on July 19 in East Rutherford, N.J. Following the World Cup, Messi took time off from his duties with Inter Miami CF, reportedly to visit his father in Argentina.
Messi returned to the pitch Wednesday for Miami’s Leagues Cup match, a 4-2 victory over Atletico de San Luis, where he tallied two goals and an assist. While the franchise has not commented on his status for upcoming matches, Miami is scheduled to face Monterrey on Saturday night and another opponent on Wednesday. The team returns to the MLS schedule on Aug. 15.