Jorge Messi, father and agent of Lionel Messi, dies aged 68
Lionel Messi returns to Argentina following the passing of his father in Rosario, as the Spanish Football Federation issues formal condolences to the Messi family.
Jorge Messi, the father and former agent of Lionel Messi, has died aged 68. The announcement was made on Saturday by Newell's Old Boys, the Argentine footballer's childhood club. Argentine media reported that Jorge Messi passed away on Friday in a hospital in Rosario. The specific cause of death has not been disclosed in available reports.
Lionel Messi, aged 39, returned to Argentina on Saturday with his partner Antonela Roccuzzo and their children. AFP journalists reported that the family was dressed in black upon arrival at the airport. The star had previously requested humanity from the media during the recent World Cup amid persistent rumours regarding his father's health.
Newell's Old Boys released a statement describing Jorge Messi's "constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership" as essential to Lionel's career. The club noted that his support was instrumental in backing every step of the footballer's professional journey.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) issued a statement conveying condolences to the Messi family. "On behalf of Spanish football, we wish to convey all our love and affection to Lionel and his loved ones during this time of deep sorrow," the RFEF said.
Jorge Messi was a former metal factory worker who became his son's first coach in Argentina. In 2000, he left his stable job, wife, and three other children in Argentina to move to Spain with 13-year-old Lionel to support his football career at Barcelona. He later acted as Lionel's sole agent and representative for his time at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi previously spoke of the difficulties of that early period in Spain. "When we arrived in Barcelona, I used to lock myself in my room to cry alone, and my father did the same," Messi said in a 2022 interview. "When things were tough, the father even asked me what I wanted to do, whether I wanted to keep going or go back home. I wanted to continue, so he stayed with me."
Jorge Messi finalized his son's first contract with Barcelona, becoming his agent and sole representative with the Spanish club and later at Paris Saint-Germain and in Miami. A private man, Jorge Messi rarely gave interviews, but on the few occasions he spoke publicly of his unbreakable bond with his son, he described the emotional weight of his son's career.
