Jorge Messi, the father, first coach in Argentina, and long-standing agent of soccer star and Argentina captain Lionel Messi, died Saturday at a hospital in Rosario, Argentina, at the age of 68, according to reports from local club Newell’s Old Boys and regional media.
Tributes and Official Condolences Across South American Soccer
The Rosario-based Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys announced the death in a social media statement, describing Jorge Messi as “the pillar and the person who, with vision, rigour and affection, supported the career of the best player of all time, alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini.” The clinic Sanatorio Centro in Rosario confirmed that he passed away at 2:00 a.m. local time on Saturday.
The South American Football Confederation, CONMEBOL, issued a statement offering condolences “with respect and affection for Lionel” and his family. Meanwhile, Claudio Tapia, the president of Argentina’s soccer federation, released a tribute recognizing Jorge Messi “for having raised a person of values: humble, respectful, and deeply committed to others.” In response, the organization mandated a moment of silence across all categories of Argentine soccer alongside black armbands for players, referees, and coaching staff.
Early Guidance and the Move to Barcelona
Born in Rosario, Jorge Messi worked as a steelworker and chemical technician while playing as a midfielder, eventually reaching the youth ranks of Newell’s Old Boys before completing mandatory military service. He served as Lionel Messi’s first coach in Argentina, establishing a standard of rigorous evaluation that his son later credited with driving his professional development.
In the early 2000s, Jorge Messi accompanied a young Lionel to Spain for a trial that secured admission to Barcelona’s La Masia youth academy. In a 2007 interview with Radio del Plata, Lionel Messi recalled the emotional toll of those early months abroad: “My dad was always by my side. 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.”
Business Management and Career Representation
As his son’s career advanced, Jorge Messi transitioned into the role of agent and business manager. He negotiated contracts with Barcelona, as well as subsequent transfers to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami. Beyond club contracts, he oversaw image rights and family investments spanning real estate, hotels, and restaurants, including the VIP Rosario venue which closed for the day following news of his passing.
In 2013, father and son faced legal scrutiny from a Spanish prosecutor over image rights earnings. Jorge Messi subsequently paid more than 5 million euros (US$6.6 million) on Aug. 14 to cover alleged back taxes and interest.
Recent Months and Family Privacy
Health concerns surrounding Jorge Messi had drawn public attention in recent months, prompting a formal statement from the Messi family condemning speculative media coverage regarding what they termed a strictly private matter. In Rosario, local establishments and community members marked his passing with expressions of mourning as the Argentine soccer community prepared for upcoming domestic and international fixtures.
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