Jorge Messi, the father and agent of footballer Lionel Messi, passed away at the age of 68 in a hospital in Rosario, Argentina, early on Saturday morning after a prolonged health condition. Jorge had served as his son’s agent since Lionel was 14 years old and played a central role in shaping one of football’s most successful careers.
The Messi family had previously disclosed that Jorge was dealing with a health-related situation during this summer’s World Cup, though specific details about his condition were not made public. He had been present in Qatar to witness Lionel’s achievement in leading Argentina to World Cup victory in 2022. Lionel Messi, currently 39 and playing for Inter Miami, has amassed an eight-time Ballon d’Or award collection and won the Champions League four times during his 17 seasons with Barcelona’s first team, alongside 10 La Liga titles.
Jorge’s support of his son began early in his life, as Lionel joined their local club Newell’s Old Boys at age seven. When Barcelona signed the young player at age 13, the family relocated to Spain in February 2001, with Jorge remaining in Barcelona to support his son’s development while other family members returned to Rosario. Multiple institutions paid tribute to Jorge’s influence, with Newell’s Old Boys acknowledging his role as “the pillar” supporting Lionel’s career with “vision, rigor and affection,” while Barcelona expressed gratitude for his commitment during the formative and most successful years of the footballer’s career.
The Argentine Football Association issued a statement expressing deep mourning and solidarity with the Messi family during this difficult period. The family had previously addressed media sensitivity concerns after an Argentine television presenter falsely reported Jorge’s death during Argentina’s opening game at the World Cup, an incident that prompted the presenter’s resignation.
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