Jorge Messi, father and agent of Lionel Messi, dies at 68
Jorge Messi, the father and longtime representative of Argentine football star Lionel Messi, passed away on Saturday at the age of 68. His death was confirmed by Sanatorio Centro, a medical center in Rosario, Argentina, where he had been receiving care. Dr. Carlos Mackey, the hospital's medical director, stated that Jorge Messi died in the early hours of the morning, adding that no further details regarding the cause of death would be released out of respect for the family's privacy. Newell鈥檚 Old Boys, the Rosario-based club where Lionel Messi played as a youth, confirmed his passing and paid tribute on social media, recognizing Jorge Messi as a "renowned leproso fan, businessman and father of the captain of the Argentine national team." The club highlighted his role as a supportive figure who underpinned Lionel's career with "vision, rigor and affection." Tributes also came from the Argentine Football Association AFA, the South American Football Confederation Conmebol, and the United Nations Children鈥檚 Fund UNICEF, for which Lionel Messi is a goodwill ambassador. UNICEF described Jorge Messi as "a person always committed to the rights of boys and girls and a benefactor of UNICEF." The Royal Spanish Football Federation RFEF also extended its condolences. Jorge Messi was a cornerstone of his son's career, accompanying him through significant periods including his time with Barcelona, transfers to PSG and Inter Miami, and World Cup campaigns. The news follows public statements
