Passing of Football Icon’s Father
Reports emerging from Argentina and Spain on Saturday confirmed the death of Jorge Messi, the father and long-serving adviser to football legend Lionel Messi. He was 68 years old. According to local sources, Jorge passed away in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, after battling a prolonged illness.
Throughout his life, Jorge remained a foundational presence for Lionel. From his son’s humble beginnings on the neighborhood pitches of Rosario to his eventual rise as an international sporting icon, Jorge was intimately involved in every major milestone, operating behind the scenes as both a parent and a business manager.
Health Struggles and Family Support
His passing marks a tragic personal milestone for the Messi family. Jorge is survived by his wife, Celia, as well as his four children—Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol—along with his grandchildren.
While specific medical details regarding his illness have remained private, Jorge had been managing severe health issues for a considerable time. Public concern first mounted during Argentina’s World Cup campaign, a high-stakes tournament where Lionel appeared noticeably tearful and emotional during media appearances.
In one memorable exchange during that tournament, former Argentine international player Juan Pablo Sorín asked Lionel whether his visible emotional state was tied to his inner circle. Lionel admitted that his family was enduring a particularly difficult period, which had placed a heavy weight on his shoulders.
Although the family later clarified that Jorge was under proper medical supervision and demonstrating encouraging signs of stability within the reality of his diagnosis, his long-term health battle ultimately reached a fatal conclusion.
A Crucial Role Behind the Scenes
Jorge’s guidance in Lionel’s journey began decades ago, long before his son earned global fame. Recognizing Lionel’s immense talent during his childhood in Rosario, the family rallied together to support his early development.
As Lionel’s career expanded into professional contracts, global sponsorships, and international transfers, Jorge stepped into a formal advisory capacity. He steered the commercial, administrative, and strategic aspects of his son’s career, creating a protective buffer that allowed Lionel to concentrate on performance.
Because Jorge was far more than just an agent, his departure represents the loss of a key partner who accompanied Lionel through one of the most astonishing careers in modern sports. As the family grieves in Rosario, the broader sporting community continues to honor Jorge’s memory as a dedicated father, husband, and grandfather.