 |
| Image: Google |
Jorge Messi, the father and longtime representative of Argentina captain Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68.
Argentine news outlet Infobae reported that Jorge passed away at about 10pm on Friday at a sanatorium in Rosario after battling a prolonged illness. MARCA also reported the development on Saturday.
Jorge was married to Celia Cuccittini, with whom he had four children — Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol.
He was instrumental in Lionel’s journey to becoming one of football’s greatest players, particularly during the early years when the youngster faced health and financial challenges.
Jorge helped secure the growth hormone treatment Lionel needed after attempts to obtain the treatment in Argentina proved unsuccessful. He later supported the decision for the 13-year-old to move to Barcelona, where his football career would eventually take off.
Jorge moved to Spain with Lionel during the early stages of his career, leaving the rest of the family in Rosario.
Recalling those difficult years in a 2007 interview, Messi said his father remained beside him throughout the uncertainty.
“My old man was always by my side. We lived through many bad moments,” he said.
Messi also recalled how his father gave him the choice of continuing his football journey in Spain or returning home.
“My old man asked me, what do you want to do, do you want to continue or shall we go back? I wanted to continue and he stayed with me.”
That decision proved significant as Messi went on to become a Barcelona legend, Argentina captain and one of the most decorated players in football history.
Jorge later became responsible for several aspects of his son’s professional affairs, including contract discussions and commercial partnerships, while largely keeping a low public profile.
He once reflected on the difficult experiences he and Lionel had shared, telling his son: “You know very well that we have gone through many good and not-so-good moments.”
Jorge also praised Lionel beyond his football achievements, describing him as “an excellent person”.
His health became a concern during the 2026 World Cup after Messi appeared emotional following Argentina’s opening match.
Explaining his emotions after scoring a hat-trick, Messi said, “It is for a reason completely unrelated to sport. I had some difficult, complicated days.”
He later clarified that the situation was connected to his family, saying, “The truth is, more than anything, because of the family.”
The Messi family subsequently said Jorge was “under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favourably within the condition he presents”.
Before becoming closely involved in his son’s football career, Jorge trained as a chemical technician and worked for Argentine steel company Acindar from the 1980s, eventually becoming a manager.
He had also played football as a youngster, featuring as a midfielder in Newell’s youth system before leaving the sport after being called up for military service.
Jorge’s passing marks the loss of a key figure whose support and guidance were central to Lionel Messi’s rise from a young boy in Rosario to a global football icon.
#LionelMessi
#Jorge
#NollywoodTimes
No comments:
Post a Comment