Jorge Messi, the father and longtime representative of Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi, died Saturday at the age of 68, according to Sanatorio Centro, the medical center in Rosario, Argentina, where he was receiving care.
In a statement, Dr. Carlos Mackey, the hospital’s medical director, confirmed that Jorge Messi passed away in the early hours of the morning. He added that no further details surrounding the cause of death would be released out of respect for the family’s privacy.
Newell’s Old Boys, the Rosario-based club where Lionel Messi played as a youth before moving to Europe, also confirmed his passing and paid tribute on social media.
“Renowned leproso fan (as Newell’s fans are known), businessman and father of the captain of the Argentine national team, Lionel Andrés Messi. Jorge was the support and the person who underpinned with vision, rigor and affection the career of the best player of all time along with his wife, Celia Cuccittini,” the club wrote on X.
“His constant accompaniment and leadership behind the scenes were fundamental to supporting Lionel’s every step, from his beginnings in Malvinas to the maximum glory of world football. Thank you for teaching him to love these colors,” the club added.
