Lionel Messi’s Father, Jorge Dies at 68

Lionel Messi's father, Jorge Messi, passed away on Saturday at a hospital in Rosario, central Argentina, at the age of 68. The Club Atlético Newell's Old Boys confirmed the news via a social media post, stating that the 68-year-old had been undergoing treatment for an unspecified illness in recent months. Jorge is survived by his wife, Celia Cuccittini, and their four children: Lionel and his two older brothers, Rodrigo and Matías, as well as Lionel's younger sister, María Sol.

Lionel Messi's father played a crucial role in his son's career. As a chemical technician and former steelworker, he worked as a soccer player, eventually reaching the youth ranks of Newell's Old Boys. However, he had to abandon the sport to fulfill his military service in Argentina. Jorge played a pivotal part in Lionel's career, acting as his agent and managing his business affairs. He also traveled with Lionel to Barcelona in the early 2000s to attend his trial with La Masia, the club's youth academy.

Lionel Messi, who led Argentina to a runner-up finish in the 2022 World Cup, has won eight Ballon d'Or awards. He made his professional debut in 2005, and his father, Jorge, negotiated contracts with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami. Jorge also managed the use of his son's image rights and his various investments in real estate, hotels, and restaurants.