From 7 Ballon d’Ors to FIFA World Cup, How Lionel Messi’s Parents Jorge and Celia Played an Important Role in Shaping His Career

Lionel Messi has been the talk of the soccer world after announcing his transfer to David Beckham‘s team. Furthermore, MLS has become the center of attention of soccer fans with the arrival of Messi. Messi is arguably one of the best, if not the best, soccer players, and his impact will surely change the US soccer dynamics.

Owing to Lionel Messi’s countless on-field achievements, his opponents fear facing the Argentine legend. Indeed, Messi has already become a massive face of the soccer community. From winning seven Ballon d’Or awards to the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Messi has conquered every milestone in his career.

Although Messi is crowned as ‘best soccer player’ by several fans, the start of his career was not so pleasing. Messi was affected by Growth Hormone Deficiency at the age of 11 and almost lost all hope to continue his career. However, thanks to his parents, who acted as the backbone of the Argentine legend during tough times, helped Messi overcome a lot of hardships.

Who are Lionel Messi’s parents?

Celia Cuccittini can be proud of herself, as she brought up a sports genius, Lionel Messi. Although Celia and Messi don’t see each other often, they remain close. Not to mention, the Barcelona legend also paid tribute to his mother by getting a tattoo of Celia on his back.

Furthermore, the portrait of Celia Maria Cuccittini was actually his very first tattoo. Besides Celia, Messi’s father has also played an important role in their son’s immense success.

Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, has been his agent since the start of his professional soccer career. Moreover, it was he who discovered Messi’s hidden talent for sports. With no surprise, Messi’s parents have always supported their son’s talent from his childhood.

How Messi’s father shaped his early soccer career

Jorge Messi was the one who taught his son to play football and noticed his talent for soccer. Furthermore, he took Leo to the local sports club Grandoli and coached the kids’ football team, where his son played. Without Jorge’s presence and teaching, Messi might not have stepped into the world of soccer.

Not to forget, Jorge went to Spain with the 13-year-old prodigy and managed to convince FC Barcelona to pay for the treatment. After Messi’s splendid debut for Barcelona, Jorge went from being a supervisor in a steel mill to the agent of the future global star.

In the football industry, it’s not uncommon to see parents looking after their children’s interests. However, Jorge’s decision to support Messi’s passion and talent was a splendid decision in soccer history.

Jorge Messi’s role as his son Lionel Messi’s Agent

Jorge has been supporting his son’s talent from a young age. He became Messi’s first agent when the soccer prodigy was just 13 years old. Furthermore, he helped the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner overcome his growth deficiency after negotiating with FC Barcelona.

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Jorge became an agent in the early 2000s by force of circumstance. Both Messi and his father moved to Spain, while the rest of the family stayed in Rosario. Since the start, Jorge has been Lionel Messi’s agent, and both overcome several hardships together.

Jorge has been part of Messi’s every crucial decision and if anyone has an idea of what the world champion’s future will look like, it’s him. Hence, Jorge has played an important role in Messi’s success behind the scenes.

Messi’s touching tribute to his mother

Tattoos are an artistic, personal way to express oneself. Apart from Messi’s on-field accomplishments, the seven-time Ballon d’Or winner boasts around 18 tattoos on his body. Moreover, he doesn’t have any random inkings over his body, as every tattoo has its unique story.

Among all 18 tattoos, Messi also has a tattoo of his mother on his back as a tribute to his mother. Leo’s tattoo of her mother shows Messi hasn’t forgotten his roots even after gaining such immense success.

The tattoo illustrates how much love & admiration he has for the woman who raised him. Not to forget, the portrait of Celia Maria Cuccittini was actually Messi’s very first tattoo.

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Let us know your thoughts on Messi’s parents’ role behind his success.