Jorge Messi, the father and longtime agent of soccer legend Lionel Messi, died on August 8, 2026, at the age of 68. Jorge had been a constant presence throughout his son's career, serving not only as a parent but as the business mind behind one of the most celebrated athletes in the history of the sport.

Born in Rosario, Argentina, Jorge Messi worked as a steel factory manager before dedicating himself to advancing his son's soccer career. He was instrumental in negotiating Lionel's move to FC Barcelona as a child, a pivotal decision that set the stage for Lionel's rise to become a multiple Ballon d'Or winner and World Cup champion with Argentina.

Beyond his role as a father, Jorge Messi acted as Lionel's agent for much of his career, overseeing contract negotiations and business dealings at some of the world's top clubs, including Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, before Lionel joined Inter Miami in Major League Soccer. Jorge was widely regarded as a key architect of his son's professional trajectory.

Lionel Messi, currently playing for Inter Miami, has not yet made a public statement regarding his father's passing as of the time of initial reporting. The soccer community and fans around the world have begun to express condolences following the news. Jorge Messi is survived by his son Lionel and other family members.