According to multiple reports from Argentine media, including Infobae, Jorge Messi passed away on Friday night (local time) in a hospital in his hometown of Rosario after a prolonged battle with illness.
Newell’s Old Boys, the club where Lionel Messi began his youth career, confirmed the news and paid tribute, describing Jorge as the person who supported “with vision, rigor and care the career of the greatest player of all time.”
Jorge Messi played a central role in his son’s career from the beginning. He accompanied the young Lionel to Barcelona as a teenager, managed his business affairs for decades, and remained a constant presence throughout his rise to become one of football’s all-time greats.
The family had previously confirmed during the 2026 FIFA World Cup that Jorge was under medical supervision and recovering from a health issue, after false reports of his death circulated at the time. He leaves behind his wife Celia, sons Lionel, Rodrigo and Matías, daughter María Sol, and several grandchildren.