Jorge Messi, the father of Lionel, dies at 68
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- Jorge Messi died Friday at 68 in a Rosario hospital after a prolonged illness, a family health situation first publicly disclosed during this summer's World Cup in North America.
- Lionel Messi addressed his father's condition after scoring against Algeria in Argentina's opening match in June, telling reporters his emotion 'had nothing to do with football' and thanking teammates and staff for their support.
- Newell's Old Boys, Messi's first club, mourned Jorge as a 'renowned supporter, businessman' whose 'behind-the-scenes leadership' was 'fundamental' to Lionel's career, while CONMEBOL also issued condolences.
- Jorge Messi worked in a steel factory in Rosario before relocating to Europe in 2000 when Lionel joined Barcelona's academy, later managing his son's career through stints at Barcelona, PSG, and Inter Miami.
- Lionel Messi became Barcelona's all-time leading appearance-maker and goal scorer under his father's management, and won a record eight Ballon d'Or awards — though Jorge was unable to attend this summer's World Cup, where Argentina reached the final and lost 1-0 to Spain.
- Jorge Messi is survived by wife Celia and four children: Lionel, older brothers Rodrigo and Matías, and younger sister María Sol.
Why it matters: Jorge Messi wasn't just Lionel's father — he was his lifelong agent and the architect of a career that produced a record eight Ballon d'Or awards and three of the past four World Cup finals. His death comes weeks after Lionel, now 39, lost the 2026 World Cup final to Spain and returned to Rosario before resuming his MLS season with Inter Miami.
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