Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, has died. He was 68.
“Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys bids farewell with deep sorrow and grief to Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 in the city of Rosario,” Lionel’s first soccer club, the Newell’s Old Boys, wrote in a Saturday, August 8, X statement. “[Jorge was a] recognized leproso fan, businessman and father of the Argentine national team captain, Lionel Andrés Messi.”
The statement continued, “Jorge was the pillar and the person who supported with vision, rigor, and affection the career of the greatest player of all time alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini. His constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership were essential in backing every step of Lionel, from his beginnings at Malvinas to the pinnacle of world football glory. Thank you for teaching him to love these colors.”
The Old Boys’ Board of directors, members and athletes went on to offer their condolences to Cuccittini, 66, Lionel, 39, and their entire family in their Saturday statement.
Multiple Spanish and Argentine outlets reported that Jorge, who served as his son’s longtime business agent, died in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, on Friday, August 7.
Lionel has not publicly addressed his father’s death at the time of publication.
In addition to Lionel, Jorge and Cuccittini shared sons Rodrigo and Matías, as well as daughter María Sol, Jorge is survived by his wife, his four kids and his multiple grandchildren. (Lionel and his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, share three sons.)
Two months before Jorge’s death, news broke that the Messi patriarch was battling an undisclosed health scare.
“He is currently under medical supervision, recovering, and progressing favorably within his current condition,” a family statement shared with ESPN in June read. “Given the versions, rumors, and speculation that have circulated in recent hours, the family wishes to express its deep displeasure at the lack of sensitivity, respect, and scruples with which some people have treated a strictly private and family matter.”
At the time, the family declined to share details of Jorge’s condition or diagnosis.
“We ask for responsibility, prudence and compassion. A person’s health and the peace of mind of those around them should not be subject to speculation or irresponsible media interest,” the told the outlet. “We sincerely appreciate the expressions of affection, respect and concern received, and we request that the privacy, confidentiality, and intimacy of Jorge and his entire family be respected during this process.”
Lionel had been representing Argentina in the 2026 World Cup at the time, where he was seen getting emotional after scoring the first goal in his team’s first qualifying match against Algeria.
“Why did I cry? It was something completely unrelated to football. I went through some difficult days,” the pro athlete told reporters afterward. “ I’m grateful to the entire delegation and my teammates because they were always by my side, giving me a lot of strength to help me get through it.”
Lionel led the Argentine national team to the World Cup final in July, which they ultimately lost 1-0 to Spain in extra time.
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