The father of Lionel Messi has passed away after prolonged illness. Aged 68, Jorge Messi died at Sanatorio Centro hospital in Rosario where he had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness. He had missed the entire 2026 FIFA World Cup co-hosted by USA, Mexico and Canada between June and July. Jorge was unable attend despite his son, and Argentina, making it to the final of the Mundial where they lost 1-0 to Spain after extra-time. He died in the early hours of Saturday, according to the hospital’s official statement signed by Medical Director Carlos Mackey. The hospital called for respect for the family and offered no further information regarding the cause of death. “Sanatorio Centro, through its Medical Director, regrets to inform you of the passing of patient Jorge Messi, 68 years of age, which occurred today at 2:00 a.m. “We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones during this difficult time. In compliance with current regulations regarding patient data protection, and out of respect for the family’s privacy, no further details will be provided regarding the medical circumstances of his death.” Tributes have poured in for Jorge Messi, who took a young Messi to Europe for career-defining treatment and signed his first Barcelona contract on a napkin in December 2020. Newell’s Old Boys, Messi’s first club, praised Jorge as “the pillar and the person who, with vision, rigour, and affection, supported the career of the greatest player of all time,” while the Argentina Football Association stood in solidarity with the family on the loss and with a warm embrace. Barcelona, where Lionel Messi broke numerous club records and became its best ever player, thanked Jorge for entrusting it “with the beginning and the most glorious years of his son Leo’s football career.” Real Madrid, Barcelona’s arch-rivals, says it deeply regrets the passing of Jorge Messi as it commiserated with Leo, his family, and all his loved ones. Jorge Messi was Lionel’s football agent since the mercurial footballer turned 14 years in 2001 and remained so until his death.
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