Lionel Messi’s Father Jorge Messi Dies Aged 68

ROSARIO: (News Desk) – Jorge Messi, the father and longtime agent of Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68, according to Argentine club Newell’s Old Boys. Argentine media reported that Jorge died Friday at a hospital in Rosario.

Newell’s Old Boys paid tribute to Jorge, highlighting the important role he played throughout his son’s remarkable football journey. The club described his support and guidance as crucial to Lionel Messi’s development both on and off the pitch.

The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) also expressed condolences to the Messi family, sending its sympathy to Lionel and his loved ones during the difficult period.

Jorge Messi, who previously worked at a metal factory, was among the most influential figures in Lionel’s early career. He coached his son during his childhood in Argentina and later accompanied him when the young Messi moved to Barcelona.

In 2000, Jorge left Argentina and traveled to Spain with 13-year-old Lionel as his son pursued an opportunity with Barcelona. The move was difficult for both father and son, who later recalled the emotional challenges they faced while adapting to life away from home.

Lionel Messi has frequently acknowledged his father’s influence. He once described Jorge as highly critical, saying that his guidance pushed him to improve and demand more from himself.

Jorge later became Lionel’s representative and played a central role in negotiating his early professional career. He was involved in Messi’s affairs during his years at Barcelona and later while the football star played for Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.

Despite being a private figure who rarely spoke publicly, Jorge occasionally discussed his close relationship with his son. In a 2013 interview, he said that Messi’s eventual retirement from football would mark the end of a personal dream for him.

Jorge Messi’s career as his son’s representative was also accompanied by legal controversy. Spanish authorities accused Jorge and Lionel in 2013 of using a network of companies to handle image-rights income and avoid taxes. The case concluded in 2017 with multi-million-euro fines.

A separate case involving alleged tax offenses, fraud and money laundering was later brought against Jorge, Lionel and the Leo Messi Foundation. That investigation was dismissed in 2021.

Jorge Messi’s death marks a major personal loss for Lionel Messi, whose father remained a key figure throughout his extraordinary rise from Rosario youngster to one of football’s most celebrated players.