Football is mourning tonight. Jorge Horacio Messi, father, longtime agent and one of the most influential figures behind Lionel Messi’s career, has passed away at the age of 68 following a long illness.
What Happened
Jorge Messi died on Friday night, around 10 p.m., at a clinic in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, after a prolonged battle with illness. His exact cause of death has not been officially confirmed by the Messi family. The news, first reported by Argentine outlet Infobae, has since been confirmed across major Argentine and international media.
Concerns over Jorge’s health first became public in June, after Lionel Messi appeared visibly emotional while celebrating a goal for Argentina against Algeria at the World Cup, later clarifying that his tears had nothing to do with football and that he’d been going through a few difficult days. The Messi family subsequently confirmed that Jorge was dealing with health problems and was under medical supervision, while asking media and the public to respect the family’s privacy during that time.
The family had also previously pushed back publicly against false reports about Jorge’s condition that circulated online, urging basic sensitivity and respect while he was still fighting his illness. At the end of July, Messi skipped the MLS All-Star Game, reportedly to be by his father’s side, before returning to action with Inter Miami days later.
More Than A Father — A Career-Defining Partner
Jorge Messi’s role in his son’s life went far beyond that of a typical parent. For decades, he managed Lionel’s affairs off the pitch and stood by him through the most pivotal moments of his professional journey, having fought early on to secure the medical treatment Lionel needed as a young boy, and later relocating with him to Barcelona when the family faced difficult adjustments in Europe.
In recent years, he had also served as his son’s agent and closest advisor, playing an active role in guiding contract decisions and major career moves throughout Messi’s time at Barcelona, PSG and beyond, right up until his health decline.
A Difficult Chapter For The Messi Family
This loss lands at a heavy moment for the Argentine icon. It comes just weeks after reports surfaced of serious security threats made against Messi himself during the 2026 World Cup, including an alleged bomb threat and assassination plot ahead of Argentina’s group-stage match against Jordan.
Between navigating threats to his own safety and now losing the man who shaped both his career and character from childhood, Messi is facing one of the most emotionally taxing stretches of his life, on and off the pitch.
Wahala Network Take
Jorge Messi wasn’t just “Messi’s dad” in the background he was there from the very beginning, fighting for his son’s future long before the world knew the name Lionel Messi. Our thoughts are with the entire Messi family during this incredibly difficult time. Rest well, Jorge.
Wahala Network sends our deepest condolences to the Messi family.
