By ENS NEWS
The global football community is mourning the death of Jorge Messi, father and longtime representative of Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi, who has died at the age of 68 in Rosario, Argentina.
Jorge Messi’s death was announced on Saturday, August 8, 2026, following a period of treatment for an undisclosed illness. Newell’s Old Boys, the Rosario-based football club closely associated with the Messi family, confirmed his passing and paid tribute to a man whose influence extended far beyond his role as the father of one of football’s greatest-ever players. (AP News)
His death has prompted condolences from across Argentina and the international football community, including the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) and the Argentine football establishment. (CBS News)
A Father Behind One of Football’s Greatest Careers
While Lionel Messi became known worldwide for his extraordinary ability on the football pitch, Jorge Messi remained one of the most influential figures behind his remarkable journey.
Jorge was more than a father. For decades, he served as Lionel Messi’s trusted representative, adviser and negotiator, helping manage some of the most important decisions of the football icon’s career.
Long before Lionel became a global superstar, Jorge recognized his son’s talent and committed himself to helping him pursue opportunities that would eventually change football history.
When Messi was still a young boy in Argentina, his exceptional ability attracted attention, but his journey toward professional football came with significant challenges. Jorge accompanied his young son to Barcelona in the early 2000s, where Lionel was given the opportunity that eventually opened the door to the club’s famous La Masia youth academy. (AP News)
That decision would prove transformational.
Messi eventually established himself as one of Barcelona’s greatest players, winning major domestic and international trophies and collecting a record eight Ballon d’Or awards.
Throughout that journey, Jorge remained closely involved.
From Rosario to Barcelona and the World
Jorge Messi came from a relatively ordinary working background in Argentina.
Before becoming internationally known through his son’s career, he worked as a chemical technician and steelworker. He also had his own connection with football, reaching the youth ranks of Newell’s Old Boys as a midfielder before circumstances prevented him from pursuing the sport professionally. (LA NACION)
Years later, his son would accomplish what millions of aspiring footballers dream of.
However, the path was not always easy.
Lionel Messi previously recalled the emotional difficulties both father and son faced when they first moved to Barcelona. Away from their home, family and familiar surroundings in Argentina, they experienced periods of loneliness and uncertainty.
Jorge nevertheless remained beside his son.
That support became a defining feature of their relationship and continued even after Lionel became one of the most recognizable athletes on the planet.
Managing Messi’s Biggest Career Decisions
As Lionel Messi’s career expanded, Jorge increasingly became responsible for negotiations and business matters surrounding his son.
He represented Messi in negotiations with FC Barcelona and later played a central role in the major career transitions that saw the Argentine star leave Spain.
After Messi’s famous departure from Barcelona in 2021, he joined Paris Saint-Germain, where he spent two seasons.
Jorge was again closely involved when Messi later moved to the United States to join Inter Miami.
Beyond football contracts, he also helped oversee aspects of Messi’s commercial affairs, image rights and investments. (LA NACION)
Despite his enormous influence behind the scenes, Jorge generally maintained a lower public profile than his superstar son.
Health Concerns Emerged During the 2026 World Cup
Concerns regarding Jorge Messi’s health became public during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
During Argentina’s opening match against Algeria, Lionel Messi became visibly emotional after scoring.
Messi later explained that he had been experiencing difficult days for reasons unrelated to football and expressed appreciation for teammates who had supported him emotionally.
After speculation surrounding Jorge’s condition increased, the Messi family confirmed that he was dealing with a health issue and receiving medical supervision while requesting privacy regarding the situation. (LA NACION)
Details about the illness were not publicly disclosed.
According to reports following his death, Jorge had received treatment in recent months before passing away in Rosario. (AP News)
Football Community Pays Tribute
Following news of his death, tributes began appearing across the football world.
Newell’s Old Boys expressed deep sadness and described Jorge as a vital source of support in Lionel Messi’s career.
CONMEBOL also extended condolences to Lionel and the Messi family. (LA NACION)
The reaction highlights the unique place Jorge held within football.
Although he never achieved global fame as a player, his commitment and guidance contributed significantly to the career of a footballer who would eventually become an icon of Argentina and the sport worldwide