Lionel Messi's father Jorge dies aged 68
Jorge Messi, the father and long-time agent of football superstar Lionel Messi, has passed away at the age of 68. He was instrumental in his son's career, serving as his first coach and primary mentor throughout his rise to global fame.
Why it matters
As the father and agent of one of the world's most famous athletes, his death is a significant personal event for a major global cultural figure.
Jorge Messi, the father and agent of Lionel Messi, has died aged 68, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's childhood club Newell's Old Boys announced on Saturday (August 8, 2026).
Argentinian media reported Jorge Messi had passed away on Friday (August 7) in a hospital in Rosario.
"His constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership were essential in backing every step of Lionel," Newell's Old Boys said in a social media post.
Jorge Messi was his son's first coach in Argentina and his sole companion when he first moved to Barcelona as a child, before later becoming his agent.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in