Jorge Messi played a pivotal role in his son’s journey from Rosario to global football stardom, serving as his first coach, closest adviser and agent…..
Jorge Messi, the father and longtime agent of football superstar Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68.
Messi’s childhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, announced his death on Saturday, with Argentine media reports saying he passed away on Friday at a hospital in Rosario.
The club paid tribute to the man who remained a constant presence throughout Lionel Messi’s extraordinary career, describing his influence as crucial to the player’s development and rise to the top of world football.
“His constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership were essential in backing every step of Lionel,” Newell’s Old Boys said in a social media tribute.
Jorge Messi’s role in his son’s career went far beyond that of a football agent.
He was Lionel’s first coach in Argentina, helping nurture his talent during his childhood in Rosario. When the young Messi moved to Barcelona, Jorge was also his son’s sole companion during the early stages of that life-changing transition.
He would later become Lionel Messi’s professional representative, remaining closely involved as his son developed into one of the most decorated players in football history.
‘My Father Helped Me Enormously’
Lionel Messi has repeatedly spoken about the influence his father had on his career and personal development.
In a 2022 interview with DirecTV Sports, the Argentine star described Jorge as a highly critical figure who constantly pushed him to improve.
“My father helped me enormously. He is very critical of me. That made me always want to push myself further,” Messi said.
Jorge remained a familiar figure alongside his son throughout his career, including during some of the most difficult moments away from the pitch.
He was also by Lionel’s side during the player’s legal troubles in Spain, including the tax fraud case that brought father and son before a Barcelona court in 2016.
Jorge Messi’s death comes weeks after reports about concerns over his health.
In June, the Messi family asked the media to exercise restraint and show “humanity” amid renewed speculation surrounding Jorge’s condition.
Argentine media subsequently reported that he had been receiving medical attention in Rosario.
Jorge’s influence on Lionel Messi’s life has been inseparable from the story of the footballer’s rise—from a gifted youngster in Rosario to an eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and one of the most celebrated players in the history of the sport.
As Lionel Messi built a career that took him from Newell’s Old Boys to Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami, his father remained one of the central figures behind the scenes.
Jorge Messi is survived by his family, including Lionel and his other children.
