Lionel Messi’s Father, Jorge Dies at 68

Jorge Messi, the father and long-time agent of football icon Lionel Messi, has passed away at the age of 68. His death occurred on Saturday at a hospital in Rosario, Argentina, his hometown.

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the pillar and the person who, with vision, rigor and affection, supported the career of the best player of all time, alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini.

Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys, a club based in Rosario, announced his passing, noting that he had been undergoing treatment for an unspecified illness. The club described him as the "pillar and the person who, with vision, rigor and affection, supported the career of the best player of all time."

Jorge Messi was instrumental in shaping his son's illustrious career. He served as Lionel's agent, managing his business affairs and negotiating significant contracts, including his move to Barcelona and subsequent transfers to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami. He also managed Lionel's image rights and investments.

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My dad was always by my side.

In 2007, Lionel Messi spoke about his father's unwavering support during their challenging early days in Barcelona. He recalled moments of emotional distress, where both he and his father pretended to be strong for each other. Jorge Messi's dedication extended to accompanying a young Lionel to Barcelona for a trial that led to his entry into La Masia, the club's famed youth academy.

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Sometimes I would lock myself in my room to cry when we arrived in Barcelona, or my dad would do the same without me seeing him, or thinking I didn’t see him. We pretended we were both OK, but we weren’t.

Jorge Messi is survived by his wife, Celia Cuccittini, and their four children: Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol. His passing comes after a period of intense media scrutiny regarding his health, which the Messi family addressed in a statement expressing discomfort with the "lack of sensitivity, respect and scruples" shown by some media outlets.

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A person’s health and the peace of mind of their loved ones should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media interest.