Jorge Messi, Father and Manager of Lionel Messi, Dies at 68

Jorge Messi, the father and longtime manager of football star Lionel Messi, died on Saturday morning in Rosario, Argentina, at the age of 68. He passed away in a sanatorium following a prolonged illness, which one source identified as cancer. Lionel Messi traveled from Florida to his hometown via private jet to be with his family for the funeral services. The ceremony took place at the El Prado cemetery in Rosario under strict security measures, including a ban on drones to preserve the family's privacy.

Jorge Messi served as a central figure in his son's career, acting as his agent and administrator. His health had previously drawn public attention during the World Cup, when the family issued a statement to dispel false rumors of his death and requested privacy. In a recent social media post, Paraguayan religious leader Jose Duarte shared what is believed to be the last known photo of Jorge Messi alive, taken in May during a visit with his son Rodrigo.

Lionel Messi missed an Inter Miami match against Monterrey due to the loss. Before the game, Inter Miami observed a minute of silence and displayed Jorge's name on stadium screens. Teammate Rodrigo De Paul paid tribute by revealing a Messi number 10 jersey under his shirt after scoring a goal. Tributes also came from the Argentine Football Association, Newell's Old Boys, and various international clubs including Barcelona and Paris Saint Germain.

Reporting on the event varied by political lean. Center right outlets focused heavily on the logistical details of the funeral, the family's ties to the city of Rosario, and the specific tributes from public figures. Center left outlets framed the story more as a reflection on Jorge's role as a protective shield and the emotional weight of his influence on Lionel's career.