RismadarVoice Reporters, August 8, 2026
Jorge Messi, the father and longtime representative of the Argentina captain Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68, according to reports from Argentine media.
Jorge reportedly died at about 10 p.m. on Friday at a medical facility in Rosario, Argentina, following a prolonged illness.
His death was first reported by Spanish sports newspaper MARCA, which cited Argentine news outlet Infobae.
Jorge was married to Celia Cuccittini, and the couple had four children:n Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol.
He played a significant role in Lionel Messi’s development from a young footballer at Newell’s Old Boys in Rosario into one of the most celebrated players in the history of the sport.
One of his most important contributions came during Messi’s childhood, when the future football star required growth hormone treatment. After efforts to secure the necessary treatment in Argentina proved unsuccessful, Jorge helped facilitate his son’s move to Barcelona when Lionel was 13.
Jorge subsequently remained with his son in Spain during the early stages of Messi’s career, while other members of the family stayed in Rosario.
Reflecting on those difficult years in a 2007 interview, Messi recalled how his father asked him whether he wanted to remain in Spain and continue pursuing his football ambitions or return to Argentina.
Messi said his father remained by his side throughout the difficult period and supported his decision to stay in Spain.
That decision proved pivotal. Messi eventually rose through Barcelona’s youth system and became one of the club’s greatest players before establishing himself as one of football’s most decorated stars.
Beyond helping to guide his son’s football career, Jorge also managed many aspects of Messi’s professional affairs, including commercial negotiations and relationships with major international brands.
Despite his influential role, Jorge generally kept a low public profile and rarely gave interviews.
In one interview, he spoke about the difficult experiences the family had endured and expressed pride in Lionel not only as a footballer but also as a person.
Jorge’s health had previously become a subject of public interest during the 2026 World Cup after Messi appeared emotional following Argentina’s opening match.
When asked about his reaction after scoring a hat-trick, Messi said his emotions were connected to circumstances unrelated to football and that he had experienced some difficult days.
He later linked the situation to his family.
The Messi family subsequently said Jorge was receiving medical care and recovering while his condition was being monitored.
Before becoming closely involved in his son’s career, Jorge trained as a chemical technician and began working at Acindar, an Argentine steel company, during the 1980s. He eventually rose to a managerial position.
Jorge had also been involved in football as a youngster, playing as a midfielder in Newell’s youth system before ending his playing ambitions after being called up for military service.
