Lionel Messi’s Father Jorge Messi Dies at 68 After Long Illness

Lionel Messi’s father and longtime agent, Jorge Messi, has died at the age of 68 following a long illness, his family confirmed.

Jorge Messi died on Friday night, August 7, 2026, at a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina, the city where his son Lionel was born and raised. The news was confirmed to Reuters by the Messi family.

His death marks a deeply personal loss for the Argentina and Inter Miami superstar, who has maintained a close relationship with his father throughout his extraordinary football career.

Jorge Messi’s role in Lionel Messi’s career

Jorge Messi was far more than Lionel Messi’s father. He played an important role behind the scenes throughout his son’s rise from a young footballer in Rosario to one of the most successful players in football history.

He served as Lionel’s longtime agent and was closely involved in managing his professional career from his teenage years.

Jorge supported Lionel during the early stages of his development in Argentina and continued to be an important figure as Messi moved to Spain as a teenager to join Barcelona’s youth system.

His influence remained significant as Messi went on to establish himself as a global football superstar.

A family loss in Rosario

Jorge’s death occurred in Rosario, where the Messi family has deep roots.

Lionel Messi returned to Argentina with his family following his father’s death to mourn and pay his respects. Reports indicate that the family planned a private funeral ceremony rather than a public wake.

The Messi family has largely kept details surrounding Jorge’s illness private. Reports have described his death as following a prolonged illness, but no specific cause of death has been publicly confirmed.

Inter Miami pay tribute to Jorge Messi

The football world quickly responded to the news.

Inter Miami paid tribute to Jorge Messi during the club’s match against Monterrey. A moment of silence was held in his memory, while players wore black armbands and Jorge’s name was displayed on the stadium screens.

Supporters also showed their support for Lionel Messi, with messages of encouragement appearing inside the stadium.

Messi’s teammates and figures from the football community also expressed their condolences to the Argentina captain and his family.

A major figure behind Messi’s journey

For decades, Jorge Messi remained one of the most important people in Lionel Messi’s life.

From his son's childhood in Rosario to his development at Newell’s Old Boys and eventual move to Barcelona, Jorge was closely involved in the journey.

Lionel Messi ultimately went on to win numerous major honours at club and international level, including the FIFA World Cup with Argentina in 2022, while becoming one of the most decorated footballers of his generation.

Behind much of that journey was the continued support of his family, particularly his father.

Jorge Messi’s death therefore represents not only the loss of a parent but also the passing of a person who played a central role in the career and life of one of football’s most recognisable figures.

Jorge Messi was 68 years old.

This article will be updated if the Messi family or Inter Miami releases further information.