Jorge Messi, Father Of Lionel Messi, Dies At 68 Weeks After World Cup Final

ROSARIO, ARGENTINA (THECOUNT) — Jorge Messi, the father of Argentine soccer superstar Lionel Messi and a longtime key figure in his son’s career, has died at age 68, according to the Sanatorio Centro medical facility in Rosario.

Jorge Messi died at approximately 2 a.m. local time Saturday while hospitalized at Sanatorio Centro, the hospital said in a statement.

The medical facility said it would not disclose details surrounding his death, citing patient-data protection and family privacy.

The Messi family had not immediately issued a public statement following his death.

During the FIFA World Cup in June and July, the family confirmed that Jorge Messi was dealing with an unspecified illness and asked the public to refrain from speculation about his health.

Jorge Messi played a significant role in his son’s extraordinary soccer career. He served as Lionel Messi’s representative and administrator and was closely involved in managing his career from its earliest years.

Lionel Messi emerged from Rosario before moving to Spain as a teenager to join FC Barcelona’s youth academy. He went on to become one of the most decorated players in soccer history, winning numerous domestic and international titles and establishing himself as one of the sport’s most recognizable figures.

Jorge Messi’s death comes only weeks after Lionel Messi represented Argentina in the World Cup final, where Argentina faced Spain.

The World Cup tournament had been a major focus for the Argentine national team and its captain, who had previously helped Argentina win the 2022 FIFA World Cup.

Jorge Messi, who was born in Argentina, remained closely connected to Rosario and frequently appeared alongside his son at major moments throughout Lionel Messi’s career.

Further details regarding funeral arrangements and memorial services had not been released at the time of the announcement.

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