Jorge Messi, the father and long-time agent of Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68, according to Infobae. He passed away at around 10pm at a clinic in Rosario, Argentina, following a prolonged period of illness.
Jorge was far more than a parent during Lionel Messi’s extraordinary football journey. For many years, he was also one of the most influential figures behind the scenes, managing his son’s professional affairs and helping guide important decisions throughout a career that would eventually establish Messi as one of football’s greatest players.
His role began long before global fame arrived. During Messi’s childhood, Jorge was closely involved in efforts to secure the medical treatment his son required. The family faced significant challenges while supporting the young player’s development, and Jorge remained determined to ensure that Messi could continue pursuing his football ambitions.
When the family moved to Europe as Messi’s career developed, Jorge continued to stand beside his son. The transition brought its own difficulties, but his presence provided important personal and professional support as Messi progressed through the youth system at Barcelona and eventually established himself in the club’s senior team.
As Messi’s career grew, Jorge became increasingly involved in handling his son’s affairs away from the pitch. He helped manage the business and contractual aspects of a career that would span some of the biggest clubs and competitions in world football.
For Messi, the relationship was therefore built on much more than football. Jorge had been a constant presence through the different stages of his life — from his early years in Argentina and the family’s move to Europe to his emergence as an international superstar.
Messi went on to win major domestic and international honours, including the World Cup with Argentina, while establishing an extraordinary individual record. Behind those achievements was a family that had supported his development from childhood, with Jorge playing a particularly prominent role.
His father’s death is consequently a deeply personal loss for Messi. For decades, Jorge occupied two important positions in his son’s life: he was his father and one of his principal advisers in professional matters.
Jorge Messi’s passing marks the end of a significant chapter in the personal story behind one of football’s most remarkable careers. While Lionel Messi’s achievements have been celebrated around the world, his journey began with the support of his family, and particularly the determination of his father during the difficult early years.
The news of Jorge’s death has brought a sombre moment for the Messi family and those close to them. For Lionel, the loss is likely to be felt not only as the passing of his father, but also of a trusted figure who had accompanied him through much of his extraordinary journey.
