Jorge Messi, the father and longtime adviser of football superstar Lionel Messi, has died aged 68 after a long illness, bringing to an end a close relationship that stretched from the Argentine star’s childhood through his rise to global football fame.
Jorge died on Friday night, August 7, 2027 at a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina, after spending his final months moving between the facility and his home, where he was cared for by his wife Celia and their children Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol, the family confirmed through the Reuters news agency.
Lionel Messi had spent time with his father after the World Cup before returning to his club, Inter Miami, where he resumed action a week ago.
Jorge remained a key figure in his son’s career, supporting Lionel from his early years at Barcelona and later serving as his representative for several years. His role went beyond football, with Lionel often turning to his father for guidance and approval after matches.
“I always needed my dad’s approval, ever since I was a kid. After every match, I’d ask him what he thought of how I played,” Lionel had previously said.
Messi’s childhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, also paid tribute to Jorge, recalling the important role he played away from the spotlight as his son built one of football’s most celebrated careers.
“His constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership were essential in backing every step of Lionel,” Newell’s Old Boys said in a social media post.
Jorge’s health had drawn public attention during the World Cup, when Lionel experienced an emotional moment after scoring a hat-trick in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria.
The Argentina captain broke down in tears while celebrating his first goal, prompting questions about the emotions behind the reaction. At a later news conference, Lionel said the tears were due to “something unrelated to football” after going through “a few difficult, complicated days”.
Days later, the Messi family confirmed that Jorge was facing a “health situation” and was receiving medical treatment.
The announcement came as Lionel continued his international and club commitments while remaining close to his family during his father’s illness.
For years, Jorge had been a familiar presence alongside his son as Lionel progressed from his early football days to becoming an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner. His death marks the loss of one of the people who remained closest to the football star throughout that journey.