Jorge Messi, the father and longtime agent of Argentina captain Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 after a long illness, his family and football community sources said.
Jorge died in a hospital in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, in the early hours of Saturday morning.
He had served as Lionel Messi’s agent since his son was 14 and played a central role in managing the career of one of football’s most celebrated players.
Earlier speculation about Jorge’s health had emerged during the summer’s World Cup. The Messi family subsequently confirmed that he was dealing with a “health related situation” but did not disclose details about his condition.
Jorge was with Lionel in Qatar in 2022 when Argentina won the World Cup, ending his son’s long pursuit of international football’s biggest prize.
A Key Figure in Messi’s Career
Jorge supported Lionel’s football development from his early years in Rosario and remained one of his most important advisers throughout his career.
Lionel joined Newell’s Old Boys at the age of seven, having grown up supporting the Rosario club alongside his father.
In February 2001, the Messi family relocated to Spain after Barcelona signed Lionel at the age of 13. While Lionel’s mother and three siblings later returned to Rosario, Jorge remained in Barcelona with his son and helped oversee his transition into professional football.
Newell’s Old Boys described Jorge as a central figure behind Lionel’s rise, praising his “vision, rigor and affection” and his constant support throughout his son’s career.
“His constant companionship and behind the scenes leadership were essential in backing every step of Lionel, from his beginnings at Malvinas to the pinnacle of world football glory,” the club said.
Barcelona also paid tribute to Jorge, thanking him for his commitment and for trusting the club with the early stages of Lionel’s career.
Tributes From Argentine Football
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) expressed its condolences to the Messi family, describing Jorge as the father of the country’s captain and an important figure in Lionel’s journey.
The association said it stood in solidarity with the family and sent its “most heartfelt, warm and affectionate embrace”.
Lionel Messi, now 39, has enjoyed one of the most decorated careers in football history. He has won eight Ballon d’Or awards, four Champions League titles and 10 La Liga titles with Barcelona, while also leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup triumph.
Family Calls for Privacy
Jorge’s death comes after the Messi family previously criticised reports surrounding his health.
During Argentina’s opening match at this summer’s World Cup, an Argentine television presenter falsely reported that Jorge had died. The presenter later resigned.
The Messi family expressed their “deep discomfort” over what they described as a lack of sensitivity, respect and discretion in reporting on a deeply private family matter.
Jorge’s death marks the loss of a figure who remained closely involved in Lionel Messi’s career from his childhood in Rosario through his rise to global football stardom.
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