Jorge Messi Dies at 68, Inter Miami Left to Navigate Father-Son Bond

Death in Rosario

Jorge Messi, father and agent to Lionel Messi, has died at 68. The family confirmed the passing occurred at a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina, following a long illness.

During his final months, Jorge alternated between the medical centre in his hometown and his residence. He was accompanied by his wife, Celia, and his other children, Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol.

From Rosario to Barcelona

Jorge negotiated the contract that brought a 13-year-old Lionel to Barcelona, securing his son's development at La Masia and relocating the family to Spain. That decision set the course for the most decorated career in modern football.

As Lionel's profile grew, Jorge operated as primary agent. He brokered contract extensions with Barcelona worth a reported €555 million over four years, managed the 2021 departure to Paris Saint-Germain after Barcelona could not register the forward under La Liga's salary cap, and facilitated the 2023 move to Inter Miami on a deal through 2025.

Spanish tax authorities investigated the family's financial arrangements during the Barcelona years. In 2016, Jorge and Lionel each received a suspended 21-month prison sentence and a fine of approximately €2 million over image rights taxation between 2007 and 2009. Jorge maintained the family relied on professional advisors and acted in good faith.

Jorge maintained a visible presence in his son's corner throughout. He spent time with Lionel following the 2022 World Cup triumph in Qatar, a prolonged celebration that delayed the forward's return to Paris Saint-Germain.

Messi Absent as Monterrey End Miami's Leagues Cup Run

Inter Miami fell to Monterrey on Saturday night in the 2026 Leagues Cup, playing without Lionel Messi following his father's death. The club had not formally ruled the forward out before kickoff, leaving his availability a question throughout the week leading up to the match.

Messi's absence removed the league's highest-profile player from a fixture the competition relies on as a marquee draw. Inter Miami have not commented on memorial arrangements or when the forward might return to training.

Representation Without Jorge

Lionel Messi now enters the final years of his career without the agent who directed every contract from the beginning. Jorge Messi handled Barcelona, PSG, and Inter Miami deals personally, never appointing an external representative. The family has not indicated who will assume that role or whether existing advisors will continue.

The 2016 tax case forced restructuring of Lionel's image rights holdings. Whether that framework remains in place or requires revision falls to advisors Lionel has worked with alongside his father, whose names have not surfaced publicly in connection with future representation.

Updated: 2026-08-08 - Added match result: Inter Miami lost to Monterrey with Messi absent due to his father's death.