Jorge Messi, the father and long-time agent of football superstar Lionel Messi, has died aged 68 following a prolonged illness.

Jorge passed away at a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina, where he had been receiving treatment in recent months. He was surrounded by members of his family during his final days, including his wife, Celia, and their children Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol.

His death marks a deeply personal loss for Lionel, who has frequently spoken about the important role his father played throughout both his life and football career.

Jorge was far more than Lionel’s father, having also served as his representative and remained one of his closest advisers as his career developed from a promising youngster in Argentina into one of the most decorated footballers in the history of the sport.

He played a significant role during the early stages of Lionel’s career, particularly as his son made the move from Rosario to Barcelona as a teenager. Jorge remained closely involved as Lionel progressed through Barcelona’s academy and eventually established himself as one of the club’s greatest ever players.

His influence continued throughout Lionel’s professional career, with the pair maintaining a close relationship away from the pitch. Jorge was regularly involved in important decisions surrounding his son’s career and was known to be someone Lionel valued for his advice and perspective.

Jorge’s health had become a source of concern for the Messi family in recent months. Lionel spent time with his father following the 2026 World Cup before returning to the United States to resume his club commitments with Inter Miami.

The timing of Jorge’s illness also came during an important period in Lionel’s career, with the Argentina captain competing at the 2026 World Cup in North America. Lionel had previously shown signs of being emotionally affected during the tournament, with the seriousness of his father’s condition later becoming known.

Jorge’s death has prompted tributes from across the football world, with organisations and clubs connected to Lionel recognising the important part he played in the footballer’s journey.

Newell’s Old Boys, the Rosario club where Lionel began playing football before moving to Barcelona, paid tribute to Jorge, while the Argentine Football Association also honoured him following news of his death.

Barcelona, where Lionel spent the majority of his career and became a club legend, also acknowledged Jorge’s contribution to his son’s development. Other football organisations, including Real Madrid, have also expressed their condolences to the Messi family.

The Argentine Football Association announced plans for a minute’s silence and black armbands to be observed across Argentine football as a mark of respect for Jorge.

Jorge’s influence on Lionel’s career has been evident for decades. From helping navigate his son’s early move to Spain to remaining involved as Lionel became a global sporting icon, he was a constant presence during some of the biggest moments of his son’s life.

Lionel has previously spoken about the importance of his father’s opinion and the value he placed on Jorge’s feedback. Their relationship remained particularly significant despite Lionel’s extraordinary success and the distance created by his football career.

Lionel is now expected to return to Rosario following his father’s death, with Jorge set to be laid to rest at El Prado private cemetery in Pérez, close to the family’s home city.

The news comes shortly after Lionel’s latest international campaign with Argentina, where he continued to play a leading role for the national team at the 2026 World Cup.

News of Jorge’s death has also prompted an outpouring of sympathy from fans, with many taking to social media to share their condolences with Lionel and the wider Messi family. Others reflected on the significance of losing a parent and the difficult timing of Jorge’s passing, as supporters expressed their sadness over the loss. One person wrote:

“This is such a devastating thing to go through, thoughts and prayers to Messi and his family.”

Another added:

“Wanted to see his son cut through his last would cup. Rest up!”

A third person commented:

“Losing a parent is the worst heartbreak and pain a human can experience!”

For many supporters, Jorge will be remembered not simply as the father of one of football’s most recognisable figures, but as someone who remained alongside Lionel throughout the journey that took him from a young player in Rosario to a World Cup winner and global football icon.

As tributes continue to emerge from supporters and the football community, attention has also turned towards Lionel and his family as they deal with the loss of a figure who had remained central to their lives for decades.