ROSARIO, Argentina: Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi’s father and longtime adviser, died aged 68 at a Rosario clinic on Friday, following a long illness.
Newell’s Old Boys confirmed the death on Saturday and offered condolences to his wife, Celia Cuccittini, and their four children.
The Rosario club described Jorge as a supporter, businessman and father of Argentina captain Lionel Messi. Newell’s official notice did not identify his illness.
La Nación said no diagnosis had been disclosed, leaving online pancreatic-cancer claims unverified. The family first acknowledged Jorge’s health problems on June 18 during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Its statement said he remained under medical supervision and was recovering, without disclosing the nature of his condition. The statement followed false reports of his death and urged responsibility, prudence and respect for family privacy.
Lionel Messi had wept after scoring a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 World Cup win over Algeria. He later said the emotion reflected difficult family circumstances, not football.
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Jorge guided Messi’s career from childhood and accompanied him to Barcelona at 13, according to Infobae. He helped secure the medical treatment and arrangements that allowed the forward to continue developing in Spain.
Jorge later served as his son’s representative and oversaw commercial negotiations surrounding the Messi brand. He was married to Celia and father to Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol.
