Lionel Messi’s Father Jorge Des At 68

Jorge Messi, the father and long-time representative of Argentina captain Lionel Messi, has died at a sanatorium in Rosario, Argentina, following a prolonged illness. Argentine news outlet Infobae reported his death on Saturday, confirming he passed at approximately 10pm on Friday.

Jorge played a pivotal role in his son’s rise from Newell’s Old Boys to global stardom. Most notably, he arranged Lionel’s move to Barcelona at age 13 after securing growth hormone treatment in Spain proved essential.

He stayed with his son during the difficult early years in Europe while the rest of the family remained in Argentina.

Lionel later recalled his father asking whether he wanted to continue pursuing his dream in Spain or return home. “I wanted to continue and he stayed with me,” Messi said.

Jorge also managed his son’s commercial affairs but largely avoided the spotlight. His health had drawn attention during the 2026 World Cup after Lionel became emotional following Argentina’s opening match, with the family later saying Jorge was recovering.

He was 68 and is survived by his wife Celia Cuccittini and their four children: Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol.