Jorge Messi, the father and longtime representative of football superstar Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 after battling a prolonged illness.
Jorge died on Friday night at a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina, according to confirmation from the Messi family. He had spent his final months receiving medical care while also staying at home with members of his family.
The former steel factory worker played a major role in his son’s rise from a young footballer in Rosario to one of the most decorated players in football history. He was closely involved in Lionel’s career from his early days and later became his representative.
Jorge was particularly important during Messi’s move to Spain as a teenager. He accompanied his son during the journey that eventually led to Barcelona’s famed youth academy, helping guide him through the early stages of his professional career.
For many years, Jorge handled important aspects of Lionel Messi’s professional affairs, including contracts and business matters. His influence remained significant even after his son became an established global football star.
Messi had spoken in the past about the importance of his father’s opinion, revealing that he regularly sought Jorge’s assessment after matches, highlighting the close relationship between the two.
Jorge’s health condition became a private family matter in the months leading up to his death. During the 2026 World Cup, Messi became emotional after scoring for Argentina and later explained that his tears were connected to difficulties unrelated to football. The family subsequently confirmed that Jorge was receiving medical treatment.
Lionel Messi had spent time with his father following the World Cup before returning to Inter Miami, where he resumed action recently. Jorge is survived by his wife, Celia, and their children, Rodrigo, Matias, Lionel and Maria Sol.
Tributes have since emerged from the football community, including Messi’s boyhood club Newell’s Old Boys, which recognised Jorge’s constant support and behind-the-scenes contribution to his son’s remarkable career.