Jorge Messi, the father and longtime representative of Argentine football legend Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 following a prolonged illness, according to multiple international reports.
Jorge Horacio Messi reportedly died while receiving treatment at a hospital in Rosario, Argentina, where he had been battling an undisclosed illness.
His health had been a matter of concern in recent months. In June, while Lionel Messi was competing at the FIFA World Cup, the Messi family confirmed that Jorge was undergoing medical treatment for an undisclosed illness and appealed to the media for privacy and “humanity” amid speculation over his condition.
Jorge played a central role throughout his son’s remarkable football career, serving for many years as his representative and handling much of his off-field affairs and negotiations.
He accompanied Messi’s journey from his early years in Rosario through his rise at Barcelona and later stages of his career, becoming one of the most influential figures behind the Argentine superstar’s career.
Jorge is survived by his wife, Celia Cuccittini, and their four children, Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol.
