Jorge Messi Dies at 68 – Jorge Messi, the father and longtime agent of Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi, died at age 68 in Rosario, Argentina. He died Saturday, Aug. 8, after a long illness at a medical clinic in his hometown. His death was confirmed that day.
Jorge was one of the most important people in Lionel Messi’s incredible football journey. He generally stayed out of the limelight compared to his famous son, but his influence was huge from Lionel’s childhood to him becoming one of the biggest players in soccer history.
The Father That Helped Craft Lionel Messi’s Career
Jorge Messi was an important support for his son when Lionel was a young player in Rosario. He always knew about Lionel’s extraordinary football ability from a young age and he helped steer him through the difficult decisions about his development.
Jorge accompanied Lionel to Barcelona as a teen to pursue an opportunity to play for the club’s renowned youth academy. That journey eventually ended with Lionel joining La Masia, where his talent bloomed before he made the step up to the Barcelona senior side.
Business & Agent Advisor for 20+ Years
Jorge was Lionel Messi’s father — and longtime agent. Throughout Lionel’s career, he was involved in negotiations around contracts, image rights and major business decisions.
As Lionel progressed, his time was extended on some of the biggest stages of world football. Jorge played a role in important career decisions, such as negotiations related to Lionel’s exit from Barcelona and transfer to Paris Saint-Germain.
Earlier Health Concerns Had Raised Alarm
Jorge Messi’s health was already a matter of public concern at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Earlier reports about his condition prompted a statement from the Messi family requesting privacy and dismissing speculation about his health.
The family said earlier that Jorge was under medical care for a health issue but did not release any specific medical information. They also condemned irresponsible rumours about his health and said information about his condition should come directly from the family.
Homages Come Across Argentine Soccer
The football bodies and clubs associated with Lionel Messi and the Argentine game have expressed their condolences following the news of Jorge Messi’s death. Tributes have paid tribute to Jorge not only as Lionel’s father, but as a key figure in the shaping of one of the game’s most extraordinary careers.
His death is being felt especially acutely in Rosario, the city where the story of the Messi family began. Jorge’s legacy is closely linked to the journey of Lionel from young footballer in Argentina to a worldwide sporting icon.
Sources
- Reuters – Jorge Messi, father and longtime agent of Lionel Messi, has died at 68 in a medical clinic in Rosario.
- Associated Press – said it included coverage of Jorge Messi’s death, his influence on Lionel’s career.
- CBS News – Confirmed Jorge Messi’s death, reported on his longtime role in Lionel Messi’s professional career.
- The Guardian – Already reported Jorge Messi’s health, the family’s request for privacy and his role in Lionel’s career.
- EFE – Cited the family’s previous statement on Jorge Messi’s medical condition and the rumours about his health.
- CONMEBOL — Sends heartfelt condolences upon the death of Jorge Messi, father of Lionel Messi.
