Lionel Messi’s father Jorge Messi dies at 68 after long illness
Family confirms death after months of medical treatment in Rosario
ROSARIO, Argentina – Jorge Messi, the father and longtime adviser of football superstar Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina.
Messi’s family confirmed that he died on Friday night at a medical clinic after a long illness. His death was also announced by his son’s former youth club, Newell’s Old Boys, on Saturday.
El Club Atlético Newell's Old Boys despide con profundo dolor y pesar a Jorge Messi, quien falleció a los 68 años de edad en la ciudad de Rosario.
— Newell’s Old Boys (@Newells) August 8, 2026
Reconocido hincha leproso, empresario y padre del capitán del seleccionado argentino, Lionel Andrés Messi.
Jorge fue el sostén y la… pic.twitter.com/8dFPMRdM9Z
Jorge spent his final months between a medical centre in Rosario and his home, where he was accompanied by his wife Celia and their children Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol. His health had become a matter of public attention during the recent World Cup, although the family had declined to disclose details of his condition.
From steelworker to Messi’s manager
Lionel Messi spent time with his father after the World Cup before returning to Inter Miami, for whom he resumed playing a week ago. Jorge had remained closely involved in his son's life and career from his earliest days in football.
Newell’s Old Boys described Jorge as a key figure behind Messi’s development, saying his constant support and leadership were crucial to his son’s journey from his beginnings to the highest levels of world football.
Jorge initially worked as a steelworker and was also a chemical technician. He had played football as a midfielder and reached the youth ranks of Newell’s Old Boys, but left the sport to complete his mandatory military service in Argentina.
When he recognised Lionel’s talent, Jorge devoted himself to helping his third son pursue a professional career. He accompanied the youngster to Barcelona when Messi was 13, opening the way for him to join La Masia, the club’s renowned youth academy.
Jorge later became Lionel’s representative and handled major aspects of his business affairs. He negotiated contracts during Messi’s years at Barcelona and was also involved in his transfers to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021 and Inter Miami in 2023.
His responsibilities extended beyond contracts, including managing the use of Messi’s image rights and business interests in areas including real estate, hotels and restaurants.
Lionel Messi has previously spoken about his father’s importance throughout his career, recalling how he sought Jorge’s opinion after matches and how the two supported each other during difficult periods after moving to Spain.
During the recent World Cup, Messi became emotional after scoring in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria. He later said his tears were linked to circumstances unrelated to football and described having gone through several difficult and complicated days.
Days later, the family confirmed that Jorge was facing a health issue and receiving medical treatment, while criticising speculation surrounding his condition and calling for greater respect for the family’s privacy.
Messi went on to win eight Ballon d’Or awards and helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup. Jorge remained involved in his son’s professional and commercial affairs throughout much of that journey.
In 2016, Jorge and Lionel Messi were convicted by Spanish courts in a tax evasion case. Both avoided prison because the sentences were below two years.