Lionel Messi's father dies aged 68 after long illness
Table of Contents
 |
KEY TAKEAWAYS
- Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi's father and former representative, has died aged 68.
- He died in Rosario after a long illness, with his family confirming the news.
- Jorge played a central role in supporting Messi from his youth career to global stardom.
Jorge died on Friday night at a medical clinic in his native Rosario, Argentina. He had spent his final months moving between a medical centre and his home, where he was cared for by his wife, Celia, and their children Rodrigo, MatÃas and MarÃa Sol.
The death comes after Jorge's health became a matter of public concern during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The Messi family had previously kept details of his condition private before confirming that he was receiving medical treatment.
Messi had spent time with his father in Rosario following Argentina's World Cup campaign before returning to the United States and rejoining Inter Miami.
Messi's emotional World Cup moment
Jorge's illness was already weighing heavily on his son during the World Cup.After scoring a hat-trick in Argentina's opening match against Algeria, Messi was visibly emotional during his celebration.
He later explained that his tears had nothing to do with football. Messi said he had been going through "a few difficult, complicated days" and thanked his Argentina team-mates and staff for their support.
Days later, the Messi family confirmed that Jorge was under medical supervision because of an unspecified health condition.
The moment offered a rare glimpse into the personal circumstances surrounding Messi during a major international tournament.
RECOMMENDED
Jorge's role in Messi's career
Jorge was far more than Messi's father. He was one of the most important figures behind the footballer's extraordinary career and served as his representative for several years.From Messi's childhood in Rosario to his move to Barcelona as a teenager, Jorge remained closely involved in his son's development.
He supported Messi through the difficult transition from Argentina to Spain and continued to play an important role as his career progressed from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain and eventually Inter Miami.
Messi has previously spoken about the importance of his father's opinion, recalling how he would seek Jorge's assessment after matches.
I always needed my dad's approval, ever since I was a kid.That relationship remained an important part of Messi's life long after he established himself as one of football's greatest players.
From Rosario to Barcelona
Jorge worked in a steel factory in the Rosario area before the family's move to Spain became part of Messi's football journey.When Messi joined Barcelona's academy as a teenager, Jorge was there to support him through the upheaval of leaving Argentina and adapting to life in Europe.
The early years were not always easy. Messi has previously recalled moments when both he and his father struggled emotionally after arriving in Barcelona, but ultimately chose to remain and pursue the dream.
That decision would eventually lead to one of the most remarkable careers in football history.
Tributes pour in for Jorge Messi
Tributes quickly followed news of Jorge's death, with clubs and football organisations expressing their condolences to the Messi family.Newell's Old Boys, Messi's boyhood club in Rosario, was among the first to pay tribute.
The club described Jorge as a devoted supporter and highlighted his role alongside Celia in supporting Lionel throughout his career.
The Argentine Football Association also offered its condolences, whilst Real Madrid and other clubs joined the football world in expressing their support for Messi and his family.
Jorge's connection with Newell's was particularly significant. He remained closely associated with the club where Messi developed his earliest footballing ambitions before moving to Barcelona.
A father behind football's greatest career
Jorge Messi witnessed his son develop from a promising youngster in Rosario into one of the most decorated footballers in history.Lionel Messi became Barcelona's all-time leading appearance-maker and goalscorer before continuing his career with PSG and Inter Miami.
He has also won the Ballon d'Or eight times, more than any other player, and finally lifted the World Cup with Argentina in Qatar in 2022.
Yet behind those records and trophies was a father who had been involved from the beginning.
For Messi, Jorge was not simply an agent or adviser. He was the person whose support accompanied him through the most uncertain stages of his career and into football immortality.
Now, as the football world remembers Jorge Messi, the focus turns away from the trophies and records and towards the family relationship that helped shape Lionel Messi's extraordinary journey.
Post a Comment