Jorge Messi, the father and longtime representative of football superstar Lionel Messi, has reportedly died at the age of 68 in Rosario, Argentina.
According to reports by Infobae, Jorge died at a hospital in his hometown on Friday after battling a prolonged illness. An official statement from the Messi family had yet to be released at the time of filing this report.
The news marks a deeply personal loss for Lionel Messi, whose extraordinary football journey was closely intertwined with the man who stood beside him from his earliest days as a young player in Rosario to his emergence as one of the greatest footballers in history.
For many football fans, Lionel Messi’s story begins with the goals, trophies and unforgettable moments on the pitch.
But behind much of that story was Jorge Messi.
When a young Lionel left Argentina for Barcelona as a child to continue his football development, Jorge accompanied him during the early stages of the difficult transition.
It was a period filled with uncertainty. Messi was leaving behind his home, friends and much of his family in Rosario to pursue a dream thousands of kilometres away.
While the rest of the family remained in Argentina, Jorge stayed close to his son as he adjusted to life in Barcelona and began his journey with the Catalan giants.
His presence provided Messi with a familiar figure during one of the most important and challenging periods of his childhood.
From Father To Trusted Adviser
As Messi’s talent became increasingly impossible to ignore, Jorge’s role evolved.
He became closely involved in managing his son’s professional affairs and eventually served as one of his principal representatives.
Away from the spotlight, Jorge participated in major decisions concerning Messi’s career and business interests as the Argentine transformed from a gifted youngster into a global sporting icon.
Although he generally maintained a relatively low public profile, his influence remained a constant throughout Messi’s rise.
From Rosario to Barcelona, and eventually to the very top of world football, Jorge remained one of the people closest to the player.
Jorge’s health had already become a source of concern earlier in 2026.
In June, the Messi family confirmed that he was receiving medical treatment for an undisclosed health condition and asked the public and media to respect his privacy. The family said at the time that he was under medical supervision and recovering favourably.
Reports of his condition had intensified after Lionel Messi became emotional during Argentina’s 2026 World Cup campaign. The family had previously criticised speculation surrounding Jorge’s health and urged people to rely only on information provided through official channels.
His reported death therefore comes less than two months after those concerns became public.
The Quiet Figure Behind A Football Giant
Jorge Messi may never have scored a goal in a World Cup final or lifted a major football trophy, but his fingerprints were visible throughout his son’s remarkable career.
He was there when Lionel was still a boy with extraordinary potential.
He was there when that boy crossed the Atlantic in pursuit of a football dream.
And he remained involved as Messi went on to win league titles, Champions League trophies, individual awards and the World Cup with Argentina.
For millions of supporters, Lionel Messi is remembered for his genius with a football at his feet.
For Messi himself, however, Jorge was first and foremost his father — the man who accompanied him through the uncertainty of childhood, helped navigate the complexities of professional football and remained a central figure in his life.
Jorge Messi was 68.
The Messi family is yet to issue an official confirmation of his death at the time of filing this report.
