Jorge Messi , the father and longtime agent of soccer icon Lionel Messi, passed away Saturday at age 68.. He died in a Rosario hospital following a period of treatment for an undisclosed illness.
From steelworker to the architect of the La Masia move
Before managing one of the most valuable brands in sports, Jorge Messi worked as a chemical technician and steelworker. He had his own aspirations in soccer as a midfielder for the youth ranks of Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys, though his athletic pursuits were cut short by mandatory military service in Argentina. this early experience in the Rosario sports scene likely provided the foundation for his later role as a strategist.
As reported by the source, Jorge Messi was the primary driver behind Lionel Messi's move to Spain in the early 2000s. He facilitated the trial that allowed the young athlete to enter La Masia, the prestigious youth academy of FC Barcelona. this transition was not without emotional toll; in a 2007 interview with Radio del Plata, Lionel Messi recalled how both he and his father would privately cry during their early days in Barcelona while pretending to be fine in front of each other.
Managing the image rights and Inter Miami transfers
Jorge Messi transitioned from a supportive parent to a professional power broker, serving as his son's agent and business manager. According to the report, Jorge Messi negotiated the critical contracts with FC Barcelona and later handled the high-profile transfers to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami. His influence extended far beyond the pitch, as he managed the complex image rights of Lionel Messi and diversified the family's wealth through investments in hotels, restaurants, and real estate.
This familial management style ensured that the inner circle remained tight, allowing Lionel Messi to focus on winning eight Ballon d'Or awards and leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title. By keeping the business side of the career within the family, Jorge Messi maintained a level of control that is rare for athletes of such global magnitude.
The 2016 Spanish tax evasion conviction
The partnership between father and son was not without legal scrutiny. In 2016,Jorge Messi and Lionel Messi were convicted in Spanish courts on charges of tax evasion. While the conviction was a significant blow to their public image at the time, both avoided prison sentences because the court's ruling was for a term of less than two years.
This legal battle highlighted the complexities of managing global image rights and the friction that often arises when athlete wealth crosses international borders. Despite the controversy, Jorge Messi remained the central figure in the family's financial operations until his death.
The nature of the illness that silenced the Messi family
While Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys confirmed that Jorge Messi had been undergoing treatment for an illness in recent months, the specific medical condition remains unknown. The family has been fiercely protective of this information, particularly after media speculation surged during the World Cup match against Algeria, where Lionel Messi was visibly emotional after scoring.
The Messi family previously released a statement expressing discomfort over the "lack of sensitivity" and "irresponsible media interest" regarding Jorge Messi's health. Because the family has refused to specify the nature of the condition, it remains unclear whether the illness was a long-term struggle or a sudden decline, leaving a gap in the public record of the agent's final months.
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