Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, has passed away at the age of 68 after battling illness.
The father of the Argentine football icon had been experiencing health issues recently, which the Messi family confirmed during the World Cup.
Jorge was a central figure in Messi’s career, having acted as his son’s agent since the age of 14.
Tribute paid
Messi’s first club, Newell’s Old Boys, paid tribute in a statement.
It read: “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.
“Recognized leproso fan, businessman, and father of the Argentine national team captain, Lionel Andrés Messi.
“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 colours.
“The Board of Directors, members, athletes, and the entire leprosa family embrace with affection Celia, Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol, and all their loved ones and close ones in this difficult moment.
“Farewell forever, leproso.”
His death comes less than a month after it was revealed that Jorge had been ‘under medical supervision’ for an unspecified health issue.
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With this occurring at the start of the World Cup, Messi was in tears after scoring his first goal of the tournament against Algeria, and later revealed he had been struggling with issues off the pitch.
Speaking post-match, he said: “My tears after the first goal? I’ve had some tough days, it wasn’t related to football, and those feelings were because of that.
“I thank my teammates, the technical staff, and the delegation for helping me.”
As well as acting as his agent, Jorge was the driving force behind Messi’s career.
He travelled with his son to Barcelona when he first joined the Spanish giants’ famousLa Masia academy as a 13-year-old.
Jorge remained at Messi’s side throughout his unprecedented career, which has seen him win a staggering 13 Ballon d’Or awards, four Champions League titles, and the 2022 World Cup.
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Messi’s father was in attendance to watch him lift the Jules Rimet trophy in Qatar, a moment which many felt cemented his status as football’s greatest-ever player.
Jorge is survived by his wife, Celia Maria, and sons Lionel, Rodrigo and Matias, and daughter Maria Sol.
Newell’s Old Boys city rivals, Rosario Central, also paid tribute to Messi’s father.
In a post on X, the Argentine club wrote: “El Club Atlético Rosario Central deeply regrets the passing of Jorge Messi.
“We accompany with respect and affection Lionel, his family, and all his loved ones in this painful moment. May he rest in peace.”
