Jorge Messi, father and agent of Lionel Messi, dies in Argentina at 68
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- Jorge Messi, father and longtime agent of Lionel Messi, died Saturday at age 68 in Rosario, Argentina, after an illness
- Lionel Messi traveled to Rosario immediately after the 2026 World Cup final on July 19 to spend time with his father, then returned to Inter Miami and scored two goals in a Leagues Cup match against San Luis
- During the 2026 World Cup, Lionel Messi acknowledged his family was enduring "a health situation," telling media after his opening-game goal against Algeria that his tears "had nothing to do with soccer"
- Jorge Messi was unable to travel to the United States during the 2026 World Cup
- Jorge Messi is survived by his wife Celia and four children: Lionel, older brothers Rodrigo and Matías, and sister María Sol
- Newell's Old Boys, FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and the Argentina national team each issued condolence statements honoring Jorge's behind-the-scenes role in his son's career
Why it matters: Jorge Messi had been Lionel's agent throughout his career and was central to the negotiations that shaped his stints at Barcelona and Inter Miami; his death closes a chapter in which family members directly managed one of the sport's most valuable careers. The source also makes clear his health was already a concern during the 2026 World Cup itself — Jorge did not travel to the U.S. for the tournament, and Lionel rushed home to Rosario the day after the July 19 final.
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