Jorge Messi, the father of soccer star Lionel Messi, has died at age 68 after a private health battle, according to multiple Argentine and Spanish outlets.
The Messi family had confirmed in a June 18 statement that Jorge was dealing with a health-related situation and said he was receiving medical care. The family also criticized the rumors and speculation that had surrounded his condition, calling the coverage insensitive and disrespectful.
In recent days, Lionel Messi had spoken about going through “difficult, complicated days” after becoming emotional following a hat trick for Argentina, though he said the reaction was unrelated to his performance on the field. He also thanked his teammates for supporting him through the period.
Jorge Messi was an important figure in Lionel’s rise, coaching him at the local Grandoli club before his move to Newell’s Old Boys. According to The Athletic and The Guardian, Jorge later took Lionel to Spain for treatment after he was diagnosed with a growth deficiency and needed expensive hormone therapy, and he eventually worked as Lionel’s agent. He is survived by his wife, Celia Cuccittini, and their children Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias, and Maria Sol, along with several grandchildren.
