Jorge Messi, Father to Lionel, Dies in Rosario

Jorge Messi, the father and longtime representative of Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, after a prolonged illness.

Jorge reportedly died on Friday night at a clinic in Rosario, where he had been receiving medical care. His death comes less than two months after the Messi family confirmed that he was facing a health situation and was under medical supervision, while asking the public and media to respect the family’s privacy.

For Lionel Messi, Jorge was far more than a father. He was one of the most important figures behind the footballer’s extraordinary journey from a young boy in Rosario to one of the greatest players the sport has ever produced.

Jorge managed his son’s professional affairs from an early stage of his career and remained one of his closest advisers throughout his rise to global fame. He was involved when the young Messi left Argentina for Barcelona at just 13, a decision that ultimately changed the history of football.

The relationship between father and son also extended beyond football. Jorge was frequently seen alongside Lionel during major moments of his career, including Argentina’s international campaigns and World Cup appearances.

His declining health had reportedly affected Lionel deeply. During the 2026 World Cup, Messi became emotional after scoring and later explained that his feelings were connected to difficult circumstances away from football. Reports subsequently linked those emotions to the situation surrounding his father’s health.

Jorge’s death therefore closes another chapter in the remarkable story of the Messi family, but his influence on Lionel’s life and career will remain inseparable from the footballer’s legacy.

From Rosario to Barcelona, Paris, Miami and the Argentina national team, Lionel Messi’s journey was watched by billions. Behind much of that journey was a father who helped guide him from a gifted child with enormous dreams into a football icon.

Jorge Messi leaves behind his wife, Cecilia, his children, including Lionel, and his grandchildren.

He was 68.