Jorge Messi, the father of soccer star Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 at a medical clinic in the Argentine city of Rosario after a long illness, the Argentine footballer’s family confirmed to Reuters.
Jorge spent his final months alternating between a medical center in Rosario and his home, accompanied by his wife Celia and his children Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol, the family said.
Jorge, who had also been the Argentina forward’s agent since he was 14, was in Qatar to see Lionel lead Argentina to their third World Cup triumph in 2022.
During the World Cup this year, Messi had broken down in tears while celebrating his first goal.
Later, at a news conference, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’ explained that his tears were due to “something unrelated to football” after going through “a few difficult, complicated days”.
Days later, the family issued a statement regarding Jorge’s “health situation”, informing the public that he was undergoing medical treatment.
“I always needed my dad’s approval, ever since I was a kid. After every match, I’d ask him what he thought of how I played,” the football star said previously.
Several clubs, including Real Madrid and Lionel Messi’s youth team Newell’s Old Boys, along with the Argentine FA expressed condolences to Lionel Messi and his family.
“From here, we stand in solidarity with the entire family during this difficult time and send the most heartfelt, warm, and affectionate embrace. Strength to you all,” the Argentine FA said in a statement.
The family relocated to Spain in February 2001 after Lionel was signed by Barca aged just 13, and although Messi’s mother and three siblings soon moved back to Rosario, his father stayed with him in Barcelona.
“Jorge was the pillar and the person who supported with vision, rigor and affection the career of the greatest player of all time alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini,” Newell’s Old Boys posted on X., external
“His constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership were essential in backing every step of Lionel, from his beginnings at Malvinas [youth academy] to the pinnacle of world football glory.
“Thank you for teaching him to love these colours.”
The club added that they “embrace with affection Celia, Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol, and all their loved ones and close ones in this difficult moment”.
Barcelona thanked Jorge “for his commitment to our club, for entrusting us with the beginnings and the most glorious years of his son Leo’s football career”.
(Reuters; Picture Courtesy: Getty Images)
