Jorge Messi, Father and Longtime Agent of Lionel Messi, Passes Away in Rosario
Lionel Messi, the Argentina and Inter Miami star, has lost his father Jorge Messi, who died at the age of 68 after undergoing medical treatment, according to confirmation from Argentine football club Newell’s Old Boys and a statement issued by Sanatorio Centro.
The news marks a deeply personal moment for one of the most celebrated footballers in the world. Jorge Messi played a central role in his son’s life and career, managing his business affairs and acting as his agent throughout his professional journey.
Newell’s Old Boys confirmed the death on Saturday, expressing sorrow at the passing of Jorge Messi in Rosario. The club has a significant connection to the Messi family, as Jorge himself played football in the club’s youth ranks before eventually leaving the sport.
Sanatorio Centro also confirmed the death in an official statement, saying that Jorge Messi died at 2:00 a.m. The medical facility did not provide further information about the circumstances of his death, citing regulations concerning patient privacy and respect for the family.
The development comes after Messi’s family had reportedly asked for privacy earlier this year while Jorge was undergoing treatment.
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Sanatorio Centro Confirms Death
Sanatorio Centro issued a formal statement through its medical director confirming the death of Jorge Messi at the age of 68.
The statement said the medical institution was carrying out the difficult responsibility of informing the public about the death while extending condolences to his family and loved ones.
The medical facility also made clear that it would not disclose additional information about his medical condition or the circumstances surrounding his death.
That decision was consistent with the family’s earlier request for privacy. According to the material provided, Messi’s family had issued a statement in June saying that Jorge Messi was receiving treatment and asking the media to respect their privacy and show humanity during the difficult period.
The absence of additional medical details means that the circumstances surrounding his illness and death remain private.
Newell’s Old Boys Pays Tribute
Newell’s Old Boys, the Rosario-based club closely connected to the Messi family, was among the first football institutions to publicly acknowledge Jorge Messi’s passing.
The club expressed its sorrow and grief while confirming that he had died in Rosario at the age of 68.
The connection between Jorge Messi and Newell’s Old Boys goes back several decades. Before becoming known internationally as the father and representative of one of football’s greatest players, Jorge had his own connection with the sport.
He played as a midfielder and reached the youth ranks of Newell’s Old Boys. However, his playing career did not develop into a professional football career, as he eventually left the sport to complete mandatory military service in Argentina.
His association with football would later take on a much greater significance through his son.
Jorge Messi’s Central Role in Lionel Messi’s Career
Jorge Messi was far more than Lionel Messi’s father. He became a central figure in the footballer’s professional career and took responsibility for managing his son’s representation and business affairs.
According to the supplied material, Jorge Messi remained Lionel Messi’s agent throughout his career rather than handing representation to an outside agent.
His responsibilities included helping negotiate and manage important career decisions as Messi progressed from a young footballer in Argentina to an international superstar.
The relationship between father and son became particularly important during Messi’s childhood, when decisions had to be made about his future in football.
One of Jorge Messi’s most significant contributions came when he travelled with his young son to Barcelona for a trial that eventually opened the door to La Masia, the youth academy of FC Barcelona.
That journey became a decisive point in Lionel Messi’s football career.
The Journey to Barcelona
Lionel Messi’s move toward European football began when he was still a young player with enormous potential.
Jorge Messi played an important role in ensuring that his son received the opportunity to demonstrate his abilities at Barcelona.
The trial eventually led to Messi joining La Masia, one of the most respected youth development systems in world football.
From there, Lionel Messi developed through Barcelona’s youth structure before making his professional debut in 2005.
His rise from a young academy player to one of the most successful footballers in history transformed not only his own life but also the lives of those closest to him.
For Jorge Messi, managing his son’s career meant dealing with the enormous responsibilities that came with Lionel’s growing fame, commercial opportunities and footballing success.
A Father Who Became His Son’s Agent
The professional relationship between Jorge and Lionel Messi was unusual in modern elite football because the footballer continued to be represented by his father rather than an external agent.
Jorge Messi handled the business side of his son’s career while also remaining closely involved in major professional decisions.
The supplied material describes him as someone who prioritised his son’s well-being while managing his football career with professionalism and respect.
That dual role — father and representative — placed Jorge at the centre of many important stages of Lionel Messi’s career.
As Messi became one of the world’s highest-profile athletes, the responsibilities surrounding his professional life grew substantially.
Jorge’s role therefore extended beyond simply negotiating football contracts. He was also involved in managing the broader business affairs associated with his son’s career.
From Barcelona to Global Stardom
Lionel Messi’s professional debut in 2005 marked the beginning of a career that would eventually establish him among football’s most decorated players.
His success at Barcelona turned him into a global sporting icon, while his performances for Argentina further cemented his place in football history.
The supplied material notes that Messi has won eight Ballon d’Or awards, reflecting his extraordinary individual success.
His achievements have also included major international success with Argentina. Most notably, he led the national team to victory at the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
For Jorge Messi, watching his son reach such extraordinary heights represented the culmination of a journey that had begun long before the footballer became a household name around the world.
A Career That Included PSG and Inter Miami
Messi’s career eventually moved beyond Barcelona, with the Argentine later playing for Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.
Jorge Messi remained involved in managing his son’s professional affairs throughout these stages.
The move to Paris Saint-Germain represented another major chapter in Messi’s European career, while his subsequent move to Inter Miami marked a significant transition into Major League Soccer and a new phase of his career.
According to the supplied material, Jorge continued to play a role in these major career developments.
His involvement provided continuity as Messi moved between clubs, leagues and countries.
Jorge Messi’s Own Background
Although Jorge Messi became internationally recognised primarily through his son’s career, he had his own background outside football.
He worked as a chemical technician and was also employed as a steelworker.
His footballing experience was limited to his youth career, where he played as a midfielder and reached the youth ranks of Newell’s Old Boys.
He eventually left football to complete mandatory military service in Argentina.
Despite not becoming a professional footballer himself, his understanding of the game and his later involvement in Lionel’s career gave him a significant connection to the sport.
That connection ultimately became much larger than his own playing ambitions.
A Defining Influence on Lionel Messi
The story of Lionel Messi’s rise cannot be separated entirely from the support and decisions made by his family.
Jorge Messi played an important part in helping his son navigate the early stages of a career that eventually took him from Rosario to Barcelona and then onto the global football stage.
The decision to take a young Lionel to Barcelona for a trial proved particularly significant.
From that point, Messi entered La Masia and began the development process that would eventually lead to his professional debut.
The journey involved major personal and professional decisions, and Jorge remained closely involved throughout.
A Personal Loss for Lionel Messi
Jorge Messi’s death represents a deeply personal loss for Lionel Messi and his family.
While Lionel Messi has spent much of his adult life in the public spotlight, his family has generally maintained a degree of privacy around personal matters.
The family’s request for privacy during Jorge’s treatment reflected that approach.
Sanatorio Centro’s decision not to disclose further medical information also reinforces the family’s wish for privacy at a difficult time.
For the football community, Jorge Messi will be remembered not only as the father of Lionel Messi but also as a figure who played a fundamental role in the footballer’s journey from a young player in Rosario to one of the biggest names in world sport.
Remembering Jorge Messi’s Contribution
Jorge Messi’s influence on Lionel Messi’s career began long before the Argentine became a global superstar.
From supporting his son’s early football development to travelling with him to Barcelona and eventually managing his professional affairs, Jorge remained a constant presence throughout one of the most remarkable careers in football.
Lionel Messi went on to win major club honours, collect eight Ballon d’Or awards and lead Argentina to its 2022 World Cup triumph.
Behind that extraordinary career was a family structure that supported his development from childhood.
Jorge Messi’s passing at 68 therefore closes an important personal chapter in the story of Lionel Messi’s life and career.
As tributes emerge from the football world and beyond, his legacy will remain closely connected to the extraordinary journey of his son — a journey that began in Rosario and ultimately reached the highest levels of global football.
