Jorge Messi, the father and longtime adviser of football superstar Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 in Rosario, Argentina. His death was confirmed Saturday, with reports saying he had been undergoing treatment for an unspecified illness.
Jorge’s passing represents a deeply personal loss for the Messi family and comes after years in which he remained closely involved in his son’s extraordinary football career. He was not only Lionel Messi’s father but also his longtime agent, helping guide many of the professional and business decisions that shaped the player’s journey from a young footballer in Rosario to one of the most recognized athletes in the world.
Jorge played an important role from the earliest stages of Lionel’s development. Lionel grew up in Rosario and began playing football as a child, with his family closely supporting his ambitions. Jorge accompanied him during the pivotal move to Spain for his early Barcelona trial and subsequently became deeply involved in managing his career.
For much of Lionel’s professional life, Jorge remained a trusted figure behind the scenes. He handled contracts and business affairs and continued to serve as an important adviser as his son established himself at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and later Inter Miami.
Jorge’s health had previously drawn attention during Argentina’s 2026 World Cup campaign. Lionel Messi had spoken emotionally about difficulties affecting his family, while reports at the time indicated that Jorge was receiving medical care. His illness was not publicly identified in specific medical terms, and reports following his death have likewise described it only as a prolonged or unspecified illness.
News of his death prompted tributes throughout the football world. Argentine football authorities and clubs paid their respects, while Inter Miami also held a moment of silence in his memory. Lionel Messi returned to Rosario with his family following the news of his father’s death
Jorge is survived by his wife, Celia, and their children, Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol, as well as grandchildren. His family connection to Lionel was especially significant because the two shared not only a father-son relationship but also decades of professional experiences surrounding one of football’s most remarkable careers.
For Lionel Messi, the loss marks the passing of a person who had been beside him from childhood through virtually every stage of his rise to global football stardom. Jorge Messi’s influence may have largely taken place away from the pitch, but his role in supporting and guiding his son became an important part of the story behind Lionel Messi’s remarkable career.
Jorge Messi will be remembered as a father, adviser and central figure in the life of one of football’s greatest players. His death leaves the Messi family mourning a deeply personal loss while the wider football community reflects on the man who helped guide Lionel Messi from Rosario toward the world stage.
