The football world is mourning the death of Jorge Messi, the father and long-time representative of Lionel Messi, who has passed away at the age of 68.
Jorge Messi died on Friday night in Rosario, Argentina, according to reports from Infobae and Argentine media outlets. His death followed a prolonged illness, with his health reportedly declining significantly in recent weeks.
The loss came during a difficult period for Lionel Messi, who had been carrying the emotional weight of his father’s condition while competing on the international stage. The Argentina captain was visibly affected during the World Cup after scoring a hat-trick in his side’s opening match against Algeria.
“I have spent some difficult, complicated days due to matters completely unrelated to sport,” Messi told reporters at the time.
The Messi family later released a statement confirming that “Jorge is going through a health situation” while expressing their “profound dismay” at the speculation surrounding Lionel Messi’s emotional state.
The father behind one of football’s greatest careers
Jorge Messi was far more than Lionel’s father. He was his trusted adviser, representative and one of the most influential figures behind the forward’s extraordinary career.
Born in Rosario, Jorge played a central role in guiding his son’s early development and was instrumental in securing the growth hormone treatment Lionel required as a child. After initial efforts involving Newell’s Old Boys and River Plate, Jorge helped find a path to Barcelona when Lionel was just 13 years old.
The move to Spain provided the young player with the medical support, accommodation and opportunities needed to continue his football journey, eventually leading to one of the greatest careers the sport has ever seen.
Throughout Lionel Messi’s rise from a promising youngster to a global icon, Jorge remained his closest professional adviser. He handled major negotiations with clubs, sponsors and commercial partners, including during Messi’s spells with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami and the Argentina national team.
For decades, Jorge was a constant presence alongside his son, helping manage the decisions that shaped a career filled with record-breaking achievements, multiple Ballon d’Or awards and international success.
His passing marks a significant personal loss for the Messi family and a moment of sadness for the wider football community, which continues to recognise the role he played in the journey of one of the game’s greatest players.
