Lionel Messi is mourning the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who died at the age of 68 in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina.
Jorge Messi died after a long illness, according to reports. He had been receiving medical treatment in Rosario, with the family previously asking for privacy regarding his health.
Jorge was not only Lionel Messi’s father but also played a central role in the footballer’s extraordinary career. He served as Messi’s longtime agent and was closely involved in managing his son’s professional and business affairs.
His influence on Messi’s development began long before the Argentine became one of football’s greatest stars. Jorge coached his son during his early years and remained an important figure as Messi progressed from youth football in Rosario to the international stage.
Messi’s connection to Rosario remained strong throughout his career. He began his football journey in the city, including his time with Newell’s Old Boys, before moving to Spain as a teenager to continue his development at Barcelona. Jorge remained closely involved as his son established himself as a global football icon.
The news of Jorge’s illness had already affected Messi during this year’s World Cup. Messi became emotional after scoring against Algeria and later indicated that his tears were connected to difficult personal circumstances unrelated to football. Reports at the time confirmed that his father was undergoing treatment for an undisclosed illness.
Following Jorge’s death, tributes have emerged from across the football community. Newell’s Old Boys, Messi’s boyhood club, described Jorge as an important figure in Lionel’s life and expressed condolences to the Messi family. The Argentine Football Association has also mourned his passing.
Messi was absent from Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup match against Monterrey on Saturday following his father’s death, as he travelled to Argentina for the funeral.
Jorge Messi’s death marks a deeply personal loss for Lionel Messi and his family. Beyond being the father of one of football’s most celebrated players, Jorge was a constant presence behind the scenes throughout his son’s journey from a young footballer in Rosario to a world champion and global sporting icon.
