Jorge Messi, father and business manager of soccer legend Lionel, dies at age 68

Michelle Kaufman, Miami Herald on Aug 8, 2026

Published in Soccer

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MIAMI — Lionel Messi’s father and business manager, Jorge Messi, died early Saturday morning at a hospital in Rosario, Argentina, after a long illness. He was 68.

The news was announced by the Sanatorio Centro hospital, the Rosario-based Newell’s Old Boys club, CONMEBOL, the South American soccer federation, and confirmed to the Miami Herald by a club source.

The Messi family had kept Jorge’s illness private before confirming he was going through “a health situation” during the World Cup this summer.

Jorge spent his final months ⁠in Rosario and was unable to travel to see his son play in the World Cup.

Lionel Messi was one of the World Cup’s leading scorers and led Argentina to the Final, despite the emotional strain of his father’s illness. He wept a few times during the tournament and explained after breaking down in tears during the opening win over Algeria that his tears “had nothing to do with football.”

“I have been through some difficult, complicated days,” he said. “I am thankful for the support I have received from my teammates and the staff during this time.”

Messi spent time with his ‌father after the World ‌Cup before rejoining Inter Miami on July 29. He scored two goals and had an assist on Wednesday night in a 4-2 Leagues Cup opening win over Mexican club San Luis.

Inter Miami is scheduled to play Monterrey on Saturday at home in the second Leagues Cup group stage game. The club source said Messi is on his way to Rosario to be with his family and will not be at the game.

Messi’s first club, Newell’s Old Boys, was among the first to pay tribute to Jorge.

“Newell’s Old Boys mourn with profound pain and sorrow the passing of Jorge Messi,” the club said in a statement. “He was a renowned [Newell’s] supporter, businessman and the father of the captain of the Argentina national team, Lionel Messi.

“Jorge was the support and the person who, together with his wife, Celia, strengthened the career of the greatest player of all time with vision, rigour and affection. His constant support and behind-the-scenes leadership were fundamental in supporting every step of Lionel’s journey.”

The Argentine national team posted its condolences on social media: “Stay strong, Leo Messi and family. We are with you in this difficult moment. We send you our most heartfelt embrace.” The Argentine Football Association announced that a moment of silence would be observed at matches across all of Argentina’s divisions in memory of Jorge Messi, ⁠and players, coaches and referees will wear black armbands.

FC Barcelona posted: “FC Barcelona thanks Jorge Messi for his commitment to our Club, for entrusting us with the beginnings and the most glorious years of his son Leo’s football career.”

MLS commissioner Don Garber wrote: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Jorge Messi. Jorge will be remembered for his quiet strength, kindness, and unwavering devotion to his family. On behalf of Major League Soccer, we extend our heartfelt condolences to Lionel, the whole Messi family and all who loved Jorge. We are keeping them in our thoughts during this difficult time.”

The elder Messi worked in a steel factory before relocating to Europe to guide his son’s career, serving as his agent and business manager.

He traveled with 14-year-old Leo to Spain for a tryout with FC Barcelona that would launch his storied career. Lionel Messi made his professional debut in 2005 and went on to become Barcelona’s all-time leading scorer. He has won eight Ballon d’Or awards as the world’s best player and played for Argentina in six World Cups, winning the trophy in 2022.

Jorge is survived by his wife, Celia, and his four children: Lionel and his two older brothers, Rodrigo and Matías, and Lionel’s younger sister, María Sol.

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