Jorge Messi, the father and longtime agent of football star Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68, his son’s childhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, announced on Saturday.
Newell’s Old Boys described Jorge as a key figure in Lionel Messi’s career, saying his support and guidance were important throughout the footballer’s development.
The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) also expressed condolences to Messi and his family, describing the death as a time of deep sorrow.
Jorge Messi, a former metal factory worker, played a significant role in his son’s early football development. He was Lionel’s first coach in Argentina and later accompanied him when he moved to Spain as a teenager to pursue his football career.
In 2000, Jorge moved from Argentina to Barcelona with 13-year-old Lionel, leaving behind his wife, three other children and a stable job.
Lionel Messi later recalled the difficulties the family faced during the transition to Spain, saying his father supported him when the move became challenging and encouraged him to decide whether to continue pursuing his football dream.
Jorge subsequently became his son’s agent and helped finalise Lionel’s first contract with Barcelona. He continued to represent him during his later spells at Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.
Lionel Messi has previously spoken about his father’s influence, describing him as a demanding and critical figure who pushed him to improve.
Jorge, who generally maintained a private life, occasionally spoke publicly about his relationship with his son. In a 2013 interview, he said Lionel’s retirement from football would mark the end of a personal dream for him.
Jorge and Lionel Messi also faced legal scrutiny in Spain over tax-related allegations. Spanish authorities accused them in 2013 of using companies in several countries in connection with Lionel’s image rights and alleged tax evasion.
Further allegations involving suspected tax offences, fraud and money laundering were raised in Spain in 2019 against Lionel and Jorge Messi, as well as the Leo Messi Foundation.
Jorge Messi’s death marks the loss of a central figure in the personal and professional journey of one of football’s most decorated players.
