Jorge Messi Dies at 68: How Lionel Messi’s Father Shaped His Legendary Career

Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi’s father, has passed away at the age of 68, according to several media reports. He played a major role in shaping Lionel’s football career and also worked as his representative, handling several of his son’s football-related matters away from the pitch.

The Argentina football team captain has often acknowledged the influence his father had on his journey to the top of the game.

Jorge Messi’s Early Life and Football Background

Before becoming closely involved in his son’s career, Jorge Messi worked as a chemical technician and later as a steelworker. He was also a footballer in his younger days, playing as a midfielder and progressing through the youth ranks at Newell’s Old Boys in Rosario.

However, Jorge eventually had to give up his playing career to complete his mandatory military service in Argentina.

How Jorge Messi Helped Lionel Reach Barcelona

Leo went on to become one of the greatest footballers in history, but his father Jorge played a huge role in his journey, both as a parent and as his agent.

Jorge travelled with the young Messi to Barcelona in the early 2000s for the trial that eventually opened the doors to La Masia, the club’s famed youth academy.

What followed was an extraordinary career, with Lionel Messi winning a record eight Ballon d’Or awards and eventually leading Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022.

Lionel Messi Revealed His Father’s Emotional Support

A past quote from Lionel Messi offers a glimpse into the close bond he shared with his father Jorge.

Speaking in a 2007 interview with Radio del Plata, Messi recalled the difficult early days in Barcelona and how his father stood by him through the emotional struggles of adapting to a new life far from home.

“My dad was always by my side,” Lionel Messi said in a 2007 interview with Radio del Plata.

Messi also recalled how difficult the move to Barcelona had been for both of them and how his father supported him when he was struggling emotionally.

Jorge even asked Lionel whether he wanted to stay in Barcelona or return home. Messi chose to remain in Spain, and his father stayed with him during that challenging period.

Jorge Messi Handled Lionel’s Contracts and Transfers

Jorge Messi also played an important role in managing Lionel’s professional career away from the pitch. He negotiated his contracts with Barcelona and later handled his transfers to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.

He was also involved in managing the use of Lionel Messi’s image rights and several of his business interests, including investments in real estate, hotels and restaurants.

Jorge Messi’s Health and the 2026 World Cup

Jorge Messi’s health reportedly prevented him from travelling to the United States for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. As a result, he could not watch Lionel represent Argentina at the tournament, as he had done four years earlier in Qatar.

The 2026 World Cup was also an emotional tournament for Lionel Messi. The Argentine star revealed that he was dealing with difficult personal matters away from football.

That became evident during Argentina’s match against Algeria. After scoring the opening goal of his World Cup hat-trick, Messi became emotional and broke down in tears during his celebration.

When asked about the moment during his post-match press conference, Messi said it was “something unrelated to football” and admitted that he had gone through “a few difficult, complicated days.”

Jorge Messi’s Lasting Legacy

Jorge Messi’s influence on Lionel’s career extended far beyond contract negotiations and football management. He was a constant source of support during the most difficult stages of Lionel’s journey.

From helping his young son take the life-changing step toward Barcelona to supporting him through the challenges of adapting to a new country, Jorge remained an important figure behind one of football’s greatest careers.

While Lionel Messi’s achievements belong to the player himself, Jorge Messi’s contribution to the journey remains an important part of the story behind the global football icon.