Jorge Messi, the father and longtime agent of football superstar Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 in Rosario, Argentina. His death marks the end of a long and influential chapter in the life and career of one of football’s greatest players.
Jorge had been receiving medical treatment for an undisclosed illness. His health had become a matter of public attention earlier this year during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, when the Messi family asked the media and fans to respect their privacy. He was later reported to have been recovering while undergoing medical care.
For Lionel Messi, Jorge was much more than a father. He was one of the most important people behind his extraordinary football journey. Jorge played a central role in managing his son's career from his early years and remained closely involved in major professional and business decisions throughout Messi's rise to global fame.
Born and raised in Rosario, Jorge had worked as a chemical technician and steelworker before becoming deeply involved in his son's football career. He had also played football at youth level for Newell's Old Boys, the same Rosario club where Lionel Messi began his early football journey.
When Lionel was still a teenager, Jorge accompanied him to Spain as he went through his early trial with Barcelona. That move eventually changed the course of Messi's life. As his son's representative, Jorge later handled contracts, negotiations and business matters during Messi's remarkable career at Barcelona and beyond.
Jorge was also involved during some of the most important moments of Messi's professional life, including his difficult departure from Barcelona in 2020 and his subsequent move to Paris Saint-Germain. He continued to play a key role in Messi's affairs even after the Argentine superstar moved to Inter Miami.
The news of Jorge's death has prompted tributes from across the football world. Newell's Old Boys acknowledged his contribution to Lionel's journey, while the Argentine football community has also expressed condolences to the Messi family.
Lionel Messi has often spoken about the importance of his family in his life and career. Behind the trophies, records and global fame stood a father who helped guide him from a young footballer in Rosario to an international icon.
Jorge Messi's legacy will therefore remain closely connected to Lionel's story. For millions of football fans, his name will be remembered not only as Messi's father, but also as one of the people who helped shape the career of a player who changed the history of the sport.
