Jorge Messi, Father and Longtime Agent of Lionel Messi, Dies at 68

Jorge Messi, father and longtime agent of Argentina captain Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68. He passed away at a hospital in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, following a prolonged illness.

Jorge Messi: Key Facts

The Illness Behind the Headlines

Jorge had been battling health problems for some time, though the family kept the details private for months. Speculation intensified after Lionel Messi grew visibly emotional while scoring against Algeria at this year’s World Cup, later saying his tears “had absolutely nothing to do with football.” Days later, the Messi family confirmed Jorge was dealing with health issues and asked for privacy for him and the family during the process. He was said at the time to be recovering favorably, before his condition ultimately worsened.

A Life Behind the Scenes, Shaping a Legend

Jorge Messi was far more than a football dad. He worked as a chemical technician and steelworker, and once played as a midfielder in Newell’s Old Boys’ youth ranks before military service ended his own playing career. It was Jorge who made the pivotal call to take a young Lionel to Barcelona for a trial after Argentine clubs couldn’t finance the hormone treatment Lionel needed for a growth disorder— a decision <that led to the famous napkin contract with FC Barcelona and changed the course of football history.

He later served as Lionel’s agent, managing his business affairs</cite> throughout a career that brought eight Ballon d’Or awards and a 2022 World Cup title.

Tributes Pour In

Newell’s Old Boys, Messi’s first club, mourned Jorge’s passing with “profound pain and sorrow,” calling him a devoted supporter and businessman who, alongside his wife Celia, supported Lionel’s career “with vision, rigour and affection.”CONMEBOL also offered its condolences “with respect and affection for Lionel.”

For more football news and tributes, visit our sports section on TechnoSports.

FAQs