ROSARIO, Argentina — Jorge Messi, the father, agent, and lifelong mentor of Argentine football legend Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68.
He passed away on Friday, August 7, 2026, at approximately 10:00 p.m. local time at a clinic in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, following a prolonged illness, according to reports from Argentinian news outlets Infobae and Diario Olé.
Died Friday night in Rosario, Argentina, at age 68 after battling a chronic illness.
Served as Lionel Messi’s primary business manager, representative, and advisor throughout his career.
Secured Lionel’s life-changing growth hormone treatment as a child and accompanied him to Spain to join FC Barcelona’s La Masia academy.
Jorge Messi played an irreplaceable role in shaping one of the greatest careers in football history. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, when a young Lionel suffered from a growth hormone deficiency, Jorge fought tirelessly to secure medical coverage and opportunities for his son.
When FC Barcelona offered to cover the medical costs, Jorge made the life-altering decision to move to Spain with Lionel to help him adapt to European football, leaving the rest of the family behind in Argentina initially.
As Lionel rose to global stardom, winning eight Ballons d’Or and the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Jorge seamlessly managed his son’s complex contractual, commercial, and financial affairs behind the scenes.
Concerns regarding Jorge’s health had surfaced earlier in 2026 when the Messi family requested privacy while he was undergoing medical treatment in Argentina. Statements of condolence have begun pouring in from around the sports world for Lionel Messi and his family during this period of mourning.
