Jorge Messi dies aged 68 as Rosario medical centre confirms death

Jorge Messi, the father of Argentina and Barcelona great Lionel Messi, has died aged 68, a medical centre in Rosario has confirmed.

Sanatorio Centro, in the Argentine city where the Messi family is based, announced the death on Saturday. Its medical director issued a formal statement saying Jorge Messi died at 02:00 local time.

“Sanatorio Centro regrets to inform you of the death of the patient Jorge Messi, aged 68, which occurred today at two o’clock in the morning,” the statement said.

The medical centre offered its condolences to the family and said it would not release further information about the circumstances surrounding the death.

“We accompany his family members and loved ones through these difficult moments and extend our deepest condolences to them,” the statement added.

Sanatorio Centro said the decision to withhold additional details had been taken to respect the privacy of the Messi family and comply with laws governing the protection of patients’ medical information.

“Out of respect for the family’s privacy, no further details will be provided about the medical circumstances of the death,” it said.

Jorge Messi played a major role in the development of his son’s career. He managed Lionel Messi’s sporting and professional affairs from the player’s earliest years and helped guide his move from Argentina to Barcelona while he was still a young boy.

Lionel Messi went on to become one of the greatest footballers in history, winning major honours with Barcelona and Argentina and establishing himself as one of the most influential players of his generation. His father remained an important figure in his career throughout that rise.

The family’s move to Barcelona marked a decisive stage in Messi’s development. After joining the club as a youngster, he progressed through its system before becoming a first-team star and later one of the defining players in world football.

The announcement from Sanatorio Centro did not provide information about any funeral arrangements or identify the medical condition that led to Jorge Messi’s death.

Two unrelated football headlines were also listed alongside the report: one stated that a Barcelona player had reached an agreement with the club to leave, while another said FIFA had celebrated Argentina’s remarkable hat-trick against Egypt. No further details about either item were included in the announcement concerning Jorge Messi.

The medical centre’s statement remains the only official information released about the death. It specifically asked that the family’s privacy be respected while relatives and close friends mourn.