Jorge Messi, who played a central role in Lionel Messi’s career from his childhood in Rosario through his rise to global stardom, has died aged 68, according to multiple reports from Argentina.

Jorge Messi, the father and longtime representative of Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 after battling health problems, according to multiple Argentine media reports.

Jorge’s health had become a private concern for the Messi family during the 2026 World Cup. The family confirmed in June that he was undergoing medical treatment and asked for discretion amid growing speculation about his condition.

The news marks a deeply personal loss for Messi, whose father was one of the most influential figures in his journey from a young footballer in Rosario to one of the greatest players in the history of the sport.

Jorge Messi’s health became a concern during the World Cup

Concerns over Jorge’s condition first became public during the World Cup after Lionel Messi became emotional following Argentina’s match against Algeria in June.

Asked about his tears, Messi made clear that they were unrelated to football and acknowledged that he had been going through a difficult period.

“Why did I cry? It was something completely unrelated to football. I went through some difficult days.”

The Messi family subsequently confirmed that Jorge was receiving medical attention, while strongly criticising the speculation surrounding his condition.

They said only close family members had reliable information and urged the public and media to respect Jorge’s privacy.

Lionel Messi’s father remained a central figure in his career

Jorge was far more than Messi’s father. He was also his son’s agent during the early stages of his professional career and played a major role in managing his transition into football’s global spotlight.

Messi left Rosario for Barcelona as a teenager, with Jorge remaining closely involved as his career developed.

The responsibility that came with his son’s extraordinary rise was something Jorge acknowledged himself, reflecting on Messi’s transformation into one of the world’s most recognisable athletes.

“Who is prepared for all this? Maybe nobody is.”

Jorge’s influence extended beyond contract and career matters. He was part of the family support system that surrounded Messi throughout a career that took him from Newell’s Old Boys to Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami and the Argentina national team.

Lionel Messi continued playing amid his father’s health problems

Despite the concerns surrounding his family, Messi continued to represent Argentina during the World Cup.

His emotional moments during the tournament offered a glimpse into the personal circumstances behind the scenes, although he consistently kept details of his father’s condition private.

Messi also missed the MLS All-Star Game in late July, with reports at the time suggesting he had travelled to be with his father before subsequently returning to action for Inter Miami.

The family had previously made clear that any significant update on Jorge’s condition would come through them, rather than through speculation.

Jorge’s death now brings an end to the life of a figure who remained closely connected to Messi’s career from its earliest days.