By Benson Daniel
Jorge Messi, the father and longtime representative of football superstar Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 in Rosario, Argentina, following a prolonged illness.
Jorge passed away at a medical clinic in Rosario, where he had been receiving treatment in recent months. His death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from football clubs, governing bodies and figures across the global football community.
Lionel Messi is expected to return to Rosario to be with members of his family and attend a private wake for his father.
Jorge played a major role in the development and professional career of his son, remaining one of Lionel Messi’s closest advisers and confidants throughout his rise from a young player in Argentina to one of the most celebrated footballers in history.
He accompanied Lionel to Barcelona as a teenager when the young footballer travelled to Spain for a trial that eventually led to his joining the club’s famed La Masia academy. From that point, Jorge remained closely involved in his son’s professional affairs.
As Lionel’s representative, Jorge was involved in negotiating contracts, managing image rights and overseeing several aspects of his son’s business interests. His influence remained significant even as Lionel established himself as one of the most commercially successful athletes in the world.
Jorge’s involvement in his son’s career began long before Messi became a global superstar. He supported Lionel during his formative years in Rosario and played an important role as the youngster pursued football despite the challenges surrounding his early development.
Football organisations and clubs around the world have expressed condolences following Jorge’s death. Barcelona acknowledged his importance to Lionel’s career, while Newell’s Old Boys, the Argentine club where Messi developed as a young player, also paid tribute.
The Argentine Football Association has also announced measures to honour Jorge, including moments of silence and the wearing of black armbands during matches across the country’s football divisions.
Jorge’s death comes after months of attention surrounding his health. The Messi family had previously criticised speculation about his condition and asked for privacy regarding his medical circumstances.
For Lionel Messi, the loss represents the death of a figure who was closely connected to both his personal life and his extraordinary football career. Jorge was not only his father but also one of the people who helped guide his professional journey from Rosario to Barcelona and eventually to the highest levels of world football.
Messi’s career has included spells with Barcelona, Paris Saint Germain and Inter Miami, as well as major international success with Argentina. His achievements have made him one of the most recognised athletes globally, but his journey began with the support of his family in Rosario.
Jorge’s contribution to that journey has therefore remained an important part of the story of Lionel Messi’s career.
His death at 68 has brought tributes from across the football world as supporters and institutions remember the man who played a central role in helping one of the sport’s greatest talents reach the global stage.
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