Football Club Barcelona has mourned the death of Jorge Messi, father and longtime agent of club legend Lionel Messi, describing him as an important figure in the remarkable journey that took his son from a young Argentine talent to one of the greatest footballers in history.
Jorge Messi, 68, reportedly died at a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina, following a prolonged illness.
Barcelona, in a statement, expressed its condolences to the Messi family and acknowledged Jorge’s contribution to the development of his son’s career, particularly during the formative years that eventually saw Lionel Messi become a global football icon.
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“The President and the Board of Directors of FC Barcelona express their deepest condolences on the passing of Jorge Messi, father of former Barça player and legend Lionel Messi, and, on behalf of the entire Barça family, extend their condolences to the Messi family,” the club said.
“FC Barcelona thanks Jorge Messi for his commitment to our Club, for entrusting us with the beginnings and the most glorious years of his son Leo’s football career.
“May he rest in peace.”
Jorge’s influence on Lionel Messi’s career began long before his son became a household name.
As his father’s representative, Jorge was closely involved in the decisions surrounding Lionel’s move from Argentina to Spain as a young footballer. The move proved to be a defining moment in the history of both the player and Barcelona.
Lionel Messi was born in Rosario and developed his footballing abilities in Argentina before attracting attention for his extraordinary talent. His family eventually faced the difficult decision of moving to Spain after Barcelona showed interest in the youngster.
The teenager joined Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy, where he continued his development before progressing through the ranks into the first team.
For Jorge Messi, entrusting his son’s development to Barcelona was a decision that would ultimately transform football history.
At Barcelona, Lionel Messi developed from a promising academy player into the club’s greatest goalscorer and one of the most decorated footballers the sport has ever produced.
He went on to win numerous La Liga titles, Copa del Rey trophies and UEFA Champions League crowns with the Catalan giants, while also collecting a record number of individual honours during his extraordinary career.
His partnership with Barcelona produced some of the most memorable moments in modern football, including dominant domestic campaigns and historic European triumphs.
Jorge remained closely involved in his son’s professional career throughout the years, serving as his representative and helping navigate the contractual and professional decisions surrounding one of the world’s most valuable footballers.
Barcelona’s tribute therefore highlighted not only Jorge’s role as the father of its legendary number 10 but also his relationship with the club during the period in which Lionel Messi reached the peak of his career.
The Catalan club described Jorge’s decision to entrust Barcelona with the beginnings and most glorious years of Lionel’s career as a significant contribution to the organisation.
Lionel Messi eventually left Barcelona in 2021 after more than two decades associated with the club, ending an era that saw him become synonymous with the famous Blaugrana shirt.
He left behind an extraordinary record and a legacy that made him one of the most celebrated figures in Barcelona’s history.
Beyond the statistics and trophies, however, the story of Lionel Messi’s rise is also a story of family decisions, sacrifice and trust — with Jorge Messi playing a central role in those early years.
The death of Jorge is therefore expected to generate tributes from across the football world, particularly from Barcelona supporters who witnessed the extraordinary career that began when a young Argentine boy arrived at La Masia.
For Barcelona, Jorge Messi will be remembered as the father who entrusted the club with the development of his son and helped facilitate the beginning of a football journey that would ultimately produce one of the greatest players the game has ever seen.
“May he rest in peace,” Barcelona said.