Jorge Messi, the father of Argentina and Barcelona great Lionel Messi, has died aged 68, a medical clinic in the Argentine city of Rosario has confirmed.
Sanatorio Centro announced the death in an official statement on Saturday, saying Jorge Messi died at 02:00 local time.
The clinic’s medical director said: “Sanatorio Centro regrets to inform you of the death of the patient Jorge Messi, 68 years old, which occurred today at two o’clock in the morning.”
The statement did not give any further information about the circumstances of his death. Sanatorio Centro said it would not disclose additional medical details out of respect for the Messi family and in line with laws protecting patients’ personal data.
“Out of respect for the family’s privacy, no further details will be provided regarding the medical circumstances of the death,” the clinic said.
It added: “We accompany his family members and loved ones in these difficult moments and extend our deepest condolences to them.”
Jorge Messi played a central role in Lionel Messi’s football career and professional life. He managed his son’s sporting and professional affairs from the early stages of the player’s career and remained an important figure as Messi developed into one of the greatest footballers in history.
He also accompanied Lionel Messi during his move from Argentina to Barcelona at a young age. That transfer marked a decisive stage in the forward’s development and ultimately preceded his emergence as one of the defining players of his generation.
The clinic’s statement is the only official information provided about Jorge Messi’s death. Sanatorio Centro specifically said it would not comment further on the medical circumstances, citing the family’s privacy and its legal obligations concerning patient information.
Jorge Messi’s involvement in his son’s career extended across the key stages of Lionel Messi’s rise in football. From his earliest years, he was responsible for overseeing his son’s sporting and professional interests, including the transition from Argentina to Barcelona.
Lionel Messi went on to become one of the most celebrated players in the history of the game. His father’s role remained closely connected to that journey, having supported and managed him from the beginning of his career.
Sanatorio Centro did not provide details of any funeral arrangements or further announcements. Its official statement focused solely on confirming the death, offering condolences to the family and explaining why no additional information would be released.
