Lionel Messi’s father Jorge dies at 68

By Tosin Omojola

Jorge Messi, the father and agent of Argentine football star Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 following a long illness.

The death was reported by Argentine outlets Infobae and Diario Olé, which said Jorge had been receiving treatment at a hospital in Rosario. He reportedly died at around 10 p.m. on Friday.

Beyond being Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge played a significant role in shaping the career of the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner.

He was instrumental in securing the growth hormone treatment Lionel needed as a child and later supported the decision for the young footballer to move to Barcelona, where he began his journey in European football.

Jorge also served as Messi’s representative for many years, overseeing a significant portion of his son’s contractual and commercial affairs.

Signs of the family’s difficult situation had emerged during the 2026 World Cup.

Following Argentina’s opening match, Lionel Messi appeared emotional as he acknowledged that he was going through a difficult personal period unrelated to football.

Jorge Messi’s death marks the loss of a figure who played a central role in the personal and professional journey of one of football’s greatest players.