Jorge Messi Passes Away in Rosario After Prolonged Illness
Jorge Messi, the father and longtime representative of Argentina football captain Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68.
He passed away on Friday night, August 7, at a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina, following a prolonged illness.
His death was confirmed by Newell’s Old Boys, the Rosario club where Lionel Messi began his football journey, and was also mourned by South American football governing body CONMEBOL.
Jorge had been receiving medical treatment in recent months. His health became a major concern during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Messi family confirmed in June that he was undergoing medical treatment and asked the public and media to respect the family’s privacy.
At that time, the family did not disclose the exact nature of his illness. Reports claiming pancreatic cancer have therefore not been officially confirmed.
Jorge was later discharged from hospital and continued his recovery at home in Rosario before his condition reportedly deteriorated again.
Messi’s World Cup Tears Came During Father’s Health Battle
Jorge Messi’s health problems became publicly known during Argentina’s World Cup campaign.
Lionel Messi became visibly emotional after scoring during Argentina’s opening match against Algeria.
The Argentina captain scored a hat-trick but was seen in tears during the match.
He later explained that his emotions were connected to difficult personal circumstances rather than football.
Reports subsequently revealed that his father was receiving medical treatment at the time.
The situation had already generated controversy after false reports of Jorge Messi’s death circulated during the World Cup in June.
The Messi family strongly rejected those reports and criticised speculation surrounding his health.
They said only close family members had accurate information about his medical condition and appealed for responsibility and sensitivity.
The death reported this weekend is separate from those earlier false claims and has now been confirmed by major football organisations and international news agencies.
Jorge Played Crucial Role in Lionel Messi’s Historic Career
Jorge Messi was far more than the father of one of football’s greatest players.
He played a central role in managing Lionel Messi’s career from his earliest years.
Jorge accompanied his son to Barcelona when Messi was still a teenager and helped him pursue the opportunity that eventually transformed his life.
Messi entered Barcelona’s famous youth academy and later became the club’s record goalscorer and one of the most decorated footballers in history.
Jorge remained closely involved in his son’s professional affairs as his longtime representative.
He helped oversee contracts, sponsorship agreements, image rights and major career decisions.
His influence was particularly visible during the final years of Messi’s Barcelona career.
Jorge was deeply involved in negotiations surrounding his son’s departure from Barcelona in 2021.
Messi subsequently joined Paris Saint-Germain before moving to Major League Soccer club Inter Miami in 2023.
Throughout those transitions, Jorge remained one of his son’s closest advisers.
Lionel Messi has previously spoken about the importance of his father’s advice and his influence on both his personal life and professional career.
Jorge spent his final period close to his family in Rosario while undergoing treatment.
Lionel reportedly spent time with his father after the World Cup before returning to his football commitments with Inter Miami.
The death has prompted condolences from across the football world as clubs, organisations and supporters remember the man who played a major role behind Lionel Messi’s extraordinary career.
