Jorge Messi, Patriarch of a Football Dynasty, Dies at 68
Jorge Messi, the father of soccer superstar Lionel Messi and his longtime business manager, died on Thursday in Rosario, Argentina, at the age of 68 after a long battle with illness. The news was confirmed by several clubs, including Newell’s Old Boys, FC Barcelona and Major League Soccer, which all issued statements mourning his passing.
A Manager Who Shaped a Legend
Beyond his managerial duties, Jorge Messi’s journey was marked by humble beginnings. He worked in a steel factory in Rosario before dedicating himself fully to his son’s burgeoning career, a decision that eventually led the family to Europe and the corridors of FC Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy.
Moments of Mourning and Memory
Lionel Messi, visibly moved during the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, shed tears as Argentina faced France in the final, a match that underscored the personal toll of his father’s declining health. Despite the emotional weight, the Argentine captain led his nation to the championship match, a testament to the resilience he drew from his family.
The Argentine Football Association declared a moment of silence across all domestic leagues, and CONMEBOL joined global football bodies in honoring Jorge’s legacy as a visionary supporter and strategist. His influence extended beyond the pitch, shaping the business and promotional landscape that helped Lionel become a global icon.
Jorge is survived by his wife, Celia Cuccittini, and their four children — Rodrigo, Matías, María Sol, and the legendary Lionel. The family’s deep roots in Argentine football will continue to echo through the next generation, as Lionel’s own ventures with Inter Miami and upcoming World Cup campaigns keep the Messi name at the forefront of the sport.