Jorge Messi, the father and long-time agent of Lionel Messi, has passed away at the age of 68.

He is reported to have died after a long battle with illness at a hospital in Rosario, Argentina. The broader football community, including the Argentine Football Association, various clubs, and the South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL), expressed their condolences.

Jorge Messi was a central figure throughout his son's football career. Having worked as a steel factory worker, he served as the coach of the Grandoli youth team, becoming Messi's first football mentor, and stood by his side from his time at Newell's Old Boys through every stage of his playing career.

In 2000, he moved to Spain to secure treatment for 13-year-old Messi, who was suffering from a growth hormone deficiency. He was present at the signing of the legendary 'napkin contract' with Barcelona. Thereafter, he took charge of important decisions in Messi's playing career, including contracts and transfers. He was by his son's side at every major milestone, including Barcelona's all-time appearance and scoring records, eight Ballon d'Or wins, and transfers to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.

In recent months, Jorge Messi's health condition was kept private by the family. After scoring against Algeria in the 2026 North and Central American World Cup group stage, Lionel Messi was seen in tears, hinting at a difficult time, and only then did news of his father's illness become known. At the time, the Messi family stated that Jorge was recovering under medical supervision, but he was ultimately unable to appear at the World Cup.

Previously, false reports of Jorge Messi's death had circulated. Controversy arose from a misreport by an Argentine broadcaster, and the channel's management terminated the contracts of all those involved. However, less than two months later, the actual news of his passing added to the sorrow.

The Argentine Football Association officially announced Jorge Messi's death, and President Claudio Tapia issued a statement of condolence. A moment of silence will be observed at all Argentine league matches this weekend. Messi's former club Newell's Old Boys, as well as Barcelona and Real Madrid, also expressed their condolences.

Although Jorge Messi avoided media exposure and refrained from public activities, he was occasionally spotted attending matches with his family at major international tournaments such as the World Cup.

He is survived by his wife, Celia Cuccittini, three sons including Lionel, and one daughter. Jorge Messi was more than just family in his son's football life. From his developmental years to the moment he rose to become a global star, he served as the closest of supporters, and his absence leaves a profound sense of loss for both the Messi family and the football world.