Jorge Messi, the father and longtime representative of soccer legend Lionel Messi, died Friday night at a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina. He was 68 years old.
His family confirmed the passing in a statement, stating that he fought a prolonged illness before his death.
Jorge spent his final months moving between a medical center in Rosario and his family home. His wife, Celia, and children Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol remained by his side.
Lionel Messi, 39, recently visited his father after competing in the 2026 World Cup in North America. The Argentina captain then rejoined Inter Miami and returned to pitch action last week.
Jorge guided his son’s career from his early training days in Rosario to his historic rise at FC Barcelona. He provided vital support and managed his professional decisions for many years as his official agent.
Reflecting on their bond, the global soccer star previously shared, “I always needed my dad’s approval, ever since I was a kid. After every match, I’d ask him what he thought of how I played,”
Health concerns surrounding the elder Messi surfaced during the 2026 World Cup. Lionel Messi showed deep emotion after scoring a hat trick in Argentina’s opening victory against Algeria. The captain broke down in tears while celebrating his first goal of the match.
He later addressed his emotional reaction during a press conference. He explained that his tears stemmed from “something unrelated to football” after enduring “a few difficult, complicated days.”
Following those remarks, the family released an official statement regarding Jorge’s “health situation” to announce that he was receiving medical treatment.
Soccer organizations across the globe quickly shared their condolences with the Messi family following the news. FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Lionel Messi’s youth team Newell’s Old Boys published messages of support, alongside South American governing body CONMEBOL.
The Argentine Football Association expressed its grief in a public statement.
”From here, we stand in solidarity with the entire family during this difficult time and send the most heartfelt, warm, and affectionate embrace. Strength to you all,” the Argentine FA wrote.
Inter Miami has not announced whether Messi will play in Saturday’s Leagues Cup fixture against Monterrey as he mourns the loss of his father.
As it stands, no possible cause of death has been reported.
