Saturday August 8, 2026
www.thenewsdesk.ng
By Idorenyin UMOREN
Jorge Messi, the father and long-time agent of football superstar Lionel Messi, has passed away at the age of 68 following a lengthy battle with illness, IntelRegion reported.
According to reports from the Argentine newspaper Infobae, he passed away inside a medical facility in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, where he had been hospitalized while receiving treatment for a chronic health condition.
While a report from LiveMint indicated that he was battling cancer, Goal noted that the precise medical diagnosis had not been publicly disclosed by the family, who previously requested privacy regarding his health during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Jorge Messi was widely recognized as the fundamental pillar behind his son’s legendary football career, managing Lionel’s professional affairs from his earliest days in Rosario and orchestrating his historic move to FC Barcelona in 2000.
Reports highlighted how Jorge devoted his life to navigating the business infrastructure and transfer negotiations for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, acting as his closest advisor through football’s greatest historic milestones.
While major international newspapers await an official press statement from the family, tributes and condolences from football clubs, colleagues, and fans are already flooding social media to stand in solidarity with Lionel Messi and his family.
Jorge Messi, Father Of Football Legend Lionel Messi Tragically Passes Away
