By Opeyemi Adelakun
Lionel Messi is mourning the death of his father and long-time adviser, Jorge Messi, who reportedly passed away at the age of 68 after a prolonged illness.
Jorge died at about 10pm on Friday at a medical facility in Rosario, Argentina, according to reports by Argentine media outlets cited by international football publications.
For Messi, Jorge was not only a parent but one of the key figures behind the decisions that shaped his remarkable football journey.
When Lionel was still a young player at Newell’s Old Boys, Jorge played a crucial role in finding medical assistance for his son, who required growth hormone treatment. After efforts to secure the necessary treatment in Argentina proved difficult, the family eventually looked towards Spain.
That path led to Messi joining Barcelona at just 13 years old. Jorge accompanied his son during the early stages of his life in Spain, supporting him through the challenges of adapting to a new country while the rest of the family remained in Rosario.
Messi later recalled how his father stood by him during those uncertain years and gave him the choice of continuing his football journey in Spain or returning home.
The youngster chose to stay, a decision that ultimately set him on the path to becoming one of football’s most successful players.
As Messi’s profile grew, Jorge became increasingly involved in managing his son’s affairs, including commercial negotiations and other matters outside the pitch. Despite his influential position, he largely avoided publicity.
Jorge also occasionally spoke about his son’s journey, expressing pride in both Messi’s football achievements and his character away from the game.
Concerns over Jorge’s health had surfaced earlier in 2026. Messi had previously spoken about experiencing difficult family moments during the year, although details about his father’s condition were kept largely private.
Jorge began his working life in Argentina’s steel industry, where he eventually rose to a managerial position. He had also been involved in football during his younger years, playing in the youth ranks of Newell’s before leaving the sport after military service.
Jorge and his wife, Celia Cuccittini, had four children: Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol.
While Lionel Messi became a global sporting icon, Jorge remained largely behind the scenes. His guidance and support during the footballer’s formative years, however, made him an important part of the story behind Messi’s rise from a young Rosario talent to one of the most decorated footballers of all time.
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