The death of Jorge Messi, at the age of 68, once again cast a spotlight on the family that has stood behind Lionel since his earliest years in Rosario. The Argentine captain’s father was a decisive figure in his career, but he wasn’t the only pillar supporting the footballer: Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol, his three siblings, also played key roles at different stages of his life.
The four of them grew up in Rosario alongside Jorge Messi and Celia Cuccittini, and together they navigated the moment that forever changed the family history: Lionel’s move to Barcelona while he was still a teenager.
With distinct profiles and far from the glare that accompanies the Argentine captain, the three siblings maintain a close relationship with Lionel and form part of his trusted circle.
Rodrigo Messi, the eldest brother
Rodrigo Messi was born on February 10, 1980 and is the oldest of the siblings. From Lionel’s early years, he held a significant position within his circle and was involved in various aspects of managing his career and projects.
He also participates in activities related to the Leo Messi Foundation and in matters connected with the footballer’s brand and business ventures.
Married to Florencia Parisi, Rodrigo is the father of Agustín, Morena and Benjamín. He has always kept a substantially lower profile than Lionel and, although he is part of his professional circle, he tends to stay out of the media spotlight.
His bond with Lionel was built long before the multi-million contracts and titles: he was one of the elder brothers who accompanied the Rosario native through his childhood and adolescence.
Matías Messi, the brother who chose Rosario
Matías Messi was born on July 15, 1982, two years after Rodrigo.
He is arguably the brother who has seen the most public exposure over the years, though his daily life unfolds mainly in Rosario. He is married to Rosana Vallejos and is the father of Tomás and Luana.
In the sporting arena, Matías is linked to Leones FC, a Rosario-based club affiliated with the AFA that he founded and chaired.
From his hometown, he followed Lionel’s rise closely and has always maintained a close bond with the Argentine captain. In recent weeks, he was also one of the family members who stayed near Jorge during his delicate health.
Maria Sol Messi, the youngest sister
María Sol Messi was born on November 30, 1993 and is the youngest of the four siblings.
Unlike her brothers, she built much of her professional path in the world of fashion and participated in projects related to Lionel’s image and products associated with him.
She also had a role within The Messi Store, the apparel brand linked to the footballer.
Maria Sol maintains a reserved profile and often shares moments of her family life on social networks, though she avoids media exposure.
Her relationship with Lionel is especially close and, like Rodrigo and Matías, she is part of the inner circle around the footballer.
A family once again united in Rosario
The story of the four siblings is shaped by a shared childhood in Rosario and by the immense change brought about by Lionel’s move to Spain.
When the future world champion traveled to Barcelona to continue his career, Jorge stayed with him through the early days in Europe, while Celia and the other children returned to Rosario. That period proved decisive for the family and for the father–son bond.
Decades later, Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol continue to hold an important place in Lionel’s life. Now, after Jorge’s death, the four siblings reunite in Rosario around Celia and a family going through one of the most painful moments in its history.
Beyond their different paths, the Messi brothers and sister share something that has been present from the start: the family bond as one of the great pillars behind Lionel.
