Jorge Messi, who guided Lionel’s career from Argentina to Barcelona and later became his agent, reportedly died in Rosario.
Jorge Messi, the father and longtime agent of football superstar Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68.
Lionel Messi’s childhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, announced his death on Saturday, while Argentine media reported that Jorge died on Friday at a hospital in Rosario.
“His constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership were essential in backing every step of Lionel,” Newell’s Old Boys said in a tribute.
Jorge played a significant role in Lionel’s rise to global football stardom. A former metal factory worker, he was his son’s first coach in Argentina and later accompanied him to Spain when Lionel moved to Barcelona as a 13-year-old in 2000.
He eventually negotiated Lionel’s first contract with Barcelona and became his representative throughout the Argentine star’s career, including his spells at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.
Reflecting on his father’s influence in 2022, Lionel said Jorge’s criticism had helped him continually improve.
“My father helped me enormously. He is very critical of me. That made me always want to push myself further,” he said.
The Spanish Football Federation also expressed condolences to the Messi family, describing the period as one of “deep sorrow” for Lionel and his loved ones.
Jorge Messi largely stayed away from the spotlight but remained a key figure behind his son’s career. Lionel previously described their struggles after moving to Barcelona, recalling how both father and son supported each other while adjusting to life in Spain.
Jorge’s career as Lionel’s agent was not without controversy. He and Lionel faced tax-related allegations in Spain over the footballer’s image rights, with the first case resolved in 2017 after multi-million-euro fines. A separate case involving alleged tax offences, fraud and money laundering was dismissed in 2021.
Jorge Messi is survived by his wife and children, including Lionel, who is now 39.