Rosario mourns as Lionel Messi’s father and agent Jorge dies aged 68
Jorge Messi, father and long-time agent of football star Lionel Messi, has reportedly died at the age of 68. Reports from Argentine and Spanish media indicate that he passed away in a hospital in his native Rosario, Argentina, following a prolonged illness. While news of his passing has circulated widely, an official confirmation from the Messi family is currently pending.
Jorge Messi was a central and influential figure throughout his son’s career, guiding him from his early days in football. His role was particularly significant during Lionel Messi’s formative years, providing essential support as the young player navigated major life changes.
A Guiding Hand from Early Years
The foundation of Lionel Messi’s legendary career is closely linked to his father’s immense influence. This was especially true during the challenging initial stages of the young attacker’s journey. When Lionel moved from South America to Barcelona as a child to join the Catalan giants, his father made the crucial decision to accompany him personally.
During this period, the rest of the family initially remained in Rosario while Jorge and Lionel navigated the transition to a new life in Europe. Jorge provided essential emotional and practical support, helping his son adapt to a completely new environment during a highly uncertain stage.
As Lionel’s professional career developed and gained global recognition, Jorge’s role evolved. He transitioned into managing his son’s complex professional affairs at the highest level, consistently acting as one of his primary representatives in the sport.
He was deeply involved in some of the most important decisions regarding Lionel’s extraordinary path in football. His dedicated work ensured that the Argentine icon could focus on his performances on the pitch, knowing his business affairs were secure.
A Constant Presence Behind the Scenes
Despite managing the affairs of one of the most famous athletes globally, Jorge Messi maintained a low profile with the media. He largely avoided the intense spotlight that consistently followed his talented son, preferring to work behind the scenes.
However, his steady presence was a constant, standing steadfastly by his son’s side from his humble beginnings in Rosario to his confirmed status among the world’s sporting elite. Reports of Jorge Messi’s health issues had emerged during the 2026 World Cup, with Argentine media disclosing his suffering from health problems.
Lionel Messi himself hinted at going through a difficult personal period during the last World Cup. Jorge was involved in building the business infrastructure around the Argentine star and conducted negotiations on his behalf with clubs and commercial companies.
His passing represents a significant loss for the Messi family. The football world now awaits an official statement from the grieving family as they privately mourn the loss of a truly pivotal figure in the Messi story.
Reports from outlets such as Infobae and Rosario3, as well as GOAL, have detailed his passing in a hospital in Rosario after battling a serious illness for several months. These reports highlight his crucial role in guiding Messi’s development before becoming his agent and his close involvement in the teenager’s move from Rosario to Barcelona in 2000, when Messi was only 13.
He remained one of the most influential figures in the Argentine star’s life and career as Messi went on to become one of the greatest footballers in history. The news of his death has prompted widespread reaction on social media, even as an official statement from the family remains anticipated.
Source: goal.com