Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi's father and longtime manager, died Saturday at 68 in Rosario.
Why it matters: Jorge Messi was a central figure in Lionel Messi's career, from the Barcelona trial to major club moves and business affairs. His death could affect Messi's immediate personal and commercial obligations.
- Jorge Messi died Aug. 8, 2026, at a hospital in Rosario, Argentina, AP reported.
- Newell's Old Boys said he had been treated in recent months for an unspecified illness.
- AP said he helped manage Lionel Messi's career, image-rights and investments, and negotiated key club moves.
- The family previously faced a Spanish tax case over image-rights earnings; Jorge Messi paid more than 5 million euros in 2013.
Jorge Messi, the father of Lionel Messi and a longtime manager of his career and business affairs, died Saturday at age 68 in Rosario, Argentina, according to AP. Reuters also confirmed the death and described him as a central figure in the soccer star's career management.
Newell's Old Boys, the Rosario club tied to the Messi family, announced the death in a social media post and said he had undergone treatment in recent months for an unspecified illness. CONMEBOL issued condolences, and Claudio Tapia, head of Argentina's soccer federation, praised Jorge Messi for raising Lionel Messi with values and commitment.
AP reported that Jorge Messi played a fundamental role in Lionel Messi's career, including traveling with him to Barcelona for the trial that led to La Masia and later negotiating key club moves. He also managed image-rights and investments.
The family had previously been drawn into a Spanish tax case over image-rights earnings. AP said Jorge Messi paid more than 5 million euros in 2013 to cover alleged back taxes and interest.
By the numbers
- 68 - Jorge Messi's age at death
- More than 5 million euros - amount Jorge Messi paid in 2013 in the Spanish tax case
- Aug. 8, 2026 - date of death reported by AP
Yes, but: AP said the illness was unspecified, and no official medical cause of death was reported in the sources provided.