The Man Behind the Legend: Jorge Messi, Father and Lifelong Agent of Lionel Messi, Dies at 68
Lionel Messi’s emotional breakdown after scoring against Algeria during the recent World Cup has taken on a poignant new meaning following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, at the age of 68. The tears shed on the global stage, which Messi later admitted stemmed from a private family heartbreak rather than football, were for the man who guided his unparalleled career from the very beginning.
Jorge Messi passed away at a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina, following a prolonged illness. The Messi family confirmed his passing to the Reuters news agency, noting that his final days were spent between a local hospital and his home. He was surrounded by his wife, Celia, and their children—Rodrigo, Matias, Maria Sol, and Lionel. The global football icon had deliberately spent time with his father in Rosario after the World Cup before joining his current club, Inter Miami.
The loss marks the end of one of football's most significant off-pitch partnerships. Serving as his son's agent since the early days at Barcelona, Jorge was instrumental in shaping every major career decision for the legendary player. Their bond extended far beyond contract negotiations. Messi previously revealed that since childhood, he constantly sought his father's approval, making it a routine to ask for his opinion on his performance after every single match.
The public first received an indication of the family's private struggle shortly after the World Cup incident, when the family released a statement confirming Jorge was undergoing medical treatment for his health condition.
Tributes have begun to pour in, led by Newell’s Old Boys, the Rosario-based club where Messi first began his football journey. In a message of condolence, the club emphasized Jorge's fundamental role in football history, stating that his steadfastness and unwavering support were behind every single step of his son's immense success.