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 in Rosario, Argentina, at age 68 following an illness.
- Jorge Messi was unable to travel to the United States for the 2026 World Cup, and Lionel traveled to Rosario immediately after the July 19 final to spend time with him before returning to Inter Miami, where he scored twice in a Leagues Cup match against San Luis.
- Lionel Messi referenced his father's health after scoring in Argentina's opening 2026 World Cup match against Algeria, saying his tears had "nothing to do with soccer" and thanking teammates and staff for their support during a "difficult, complicated" period.
- FC Barcelona, Real Madrid, and the Argentina national team all released condolence statements honoring Jorge Messi's role in his son's life and career.
- Newell's Old Boys, the Rosario club where Lionel's career began, called Jorge "the support and the person who, together with his wife, Celia, strengthened the career of the greatest player of all time with vision, rigour and affection."
- Jorge Messi is survived by his wife Celia and four children — Lionel, older brothers Rodrigo and Matías, and younger sister María Sol.
Why it matters: Jorge, 68, was both Lionel's father and his longtime agent — a dual role that means Lionel simultaneously lost his closest family figure and the man who had managed his career from the very beginning. Jorge's inability to travel to the 2026 World Cup in the United States adds a final chapter of poignant timing to a story already shadowed by his health situation, acknowledged by Lionel on the pitch in June.
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