BREAKING: Lionel Messi’s Father, Jorge, Dies at 68 After Prolonged Illness

Jorge Messi, father and longtime adviser to Argentina captain Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68.

Jorge reportedly died on Friday night at a medical facility in Rosario, Argentina, after battling a prolonged illness.

He was a major influence in Lionel Messi’s journey to becoming one of football’s greatest players.

When the young Messi was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency and needed costly treatment, Jorge worked to find a solution after the family struggled to secure adequate medical care in Argentina.

His efforts eventually helped pave the way for Messi to move to Barcelona at the age of 13.

Jorge accompanied his son to Spain during the difficult early stages of his career, while the rest of the family remained in Argentina.

Messi later recalled how his father supported him through the uncertainty of moving abroad and gave him the choice of continuing his football dream in Spain or returning home.

Messi stayed, and the decision proved pivotal. He went on to become a global football icon, winning numerous major trophies and individual awards with Barcelona, Argentina and later Inter Miami.

Jorge also handled important aspects of his son’s career away from the pitch, including negotiations and commercial agreements.

Although he played a significant role in Messi’s success, Jorge generally kept a low profile and rarely spoke publicly.

His health became a subject of concern during the 2026 World Cup when Messi appeared emotional after Argentina’s opening game.

The footballer later explained that he had been dealing with difficult family circumstances.

The Messi family subsequently said Jorge was under medical supervision and receiving treatment.

Jorge, who worked as a chemical technician and later became a manager at Argentine steel company Acindar, had also played football during his youth at Newell’s Old Boys.

His death is a major loss for the Messi family and marks the passing of the man who stood beside Lionel during the challenging early years that eventually led to his extraordinary football career.

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