Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge, passes away at 68

Jorge Messi, father and longtime agent of football icon Lionel Messi, has died at 68 following a prolonged illness. According to Tribuna.com, he passed away on Friday night at a hospital in Rosario, Argentina. Jorge was instrumental in his son’s career, having arranged Lionel’s move to Barcelona at age 13 and secured crucial growth hormone treatment. His absence was notably felt during the 2026 World Cup, where an emotional Lionel Messi wept on the pitch, citing a family crisis. He is survived by his wife, Celia, and four children.