Jorge Messi, the father of football superstar Lionel Messi, has died in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, following a prolonged illness. He was 68 years old. His passing was confirmed by Newell’s Old Boys, the prestigious Argentine club where Lionel Messi played between 1995 and 2000, in a statement shared on X this past Saturday morning.
The club paid tribute to the elder Messi, describing him as a foundational figure in his son’s success. “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,” the club stated in a translation from Spanish. They further credited his behind-the-scenes leadership and constant presence for backing Lionel from his early days at Malvinas to the heights of global football, concluding with the message: “Thank you for teaching him to love these colors.”
A former steel worker, Jorge Messi was instrumental in managing his son’s professional journey. His health became a subject of public concern during the FIFA World Cup in June, when inaccurate reports of his death circulated. At the time, the Messi family issued a sharp response, condemning those who spread “rumors and speculation” and insisting that only immediate family members should provide updates on his condition.
Lionel Messi, now 39, recently navigated a challenging period during his record-breaking sixth World Cup appearance. Following a three-goal performance in a 3-0 victory over Algeria—his first World Cup hat trick—the forward was seen in tears. When asked about his emotional state, Messi explained in Spanish, “Why did I cry? It was something completely unrelated to football. I have been through some difficult, complicated days.”
Throughout the tournament, Messi scored eight goals in eight matches, though Argentina ultimately fell 1-0 to Spain in the July 19 final held in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Following the tournament, Messi took a leave of absence from his duties with Inter Miami CF to visit his father in Argentina. He returned to action this past Wednesday, recording two goals and an assist in a 4-2 Leagues Cup victory over Atletico de San Luis.
Inter Miami has not yet provided details regarding Messi’s availability for upcoming fixtures. The club is set to face Monterrey in the Leagues Cup this Saturday, with another match scheduled for Wednesday. The team is slated to resume its regular MLS schedule on August 15.
Source: Gulf Today
