Lionel Messi’s father Jorge dies aged 68
Developed over time first seen 2 months ago
Jorge Messi, the father and former agent of Lionel Messi, has died aged 68 after a long illness, his family have announced. His death is significant because he was a central, lifelong support figure throughout the Argentina captain's career, from his early development at Barcelona to his rise as one of football's most celebrated players, and it comes shortly after Lionel Messi's tearful reactions during the World Cup were linked to his father's deteriorating health.
He died at a medical clinic in Rosario, having spent recent months alternating between the centre and his home, accompanied by his wife, Celia, and their children Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol. Lionel Messi spent time with his father before rejoining Inter Miami, for whom he returned to action a week earlier; the club has not confirmed whether he will feature against Monterrey in Saturday's Leagues Cup match. Newell's Old Boys, Jorge Messi's boyhood club connection, and the Argentinian Football Association both issued statements of condolence, with Newell's describing him as the pillar who supported "the best player of all time" alongside his wife.
- Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi's father and former agent, has died aged 68.
- He died in Rosario after a long illness, surrounded by family.
- Inter Miami yet to confirm if Messi plays Saturday's Leagues Cup match.
New here? Start with this
Lionel Messi is an Argentine footballer who has played for leading clubs including Barcelona and Paris Saint-Germain, and now plays for Inter Miami in the United States. He has won major individual awards and helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup, making him one of the best-known players in the sport.
Jorge Messi was Lionel’s father and played an important role in his son’s early career. He was involved in decisions around Lionel’s move from Rosario, Argentina, to Barcelona as a teenager, where the player developed into a global star.
The Messi family has remained closely connected to Rosario, where Lionel began playing as a child with local side Newell’s Old Boys. Jorge Messi also acted as his son’s representative for parts of his career, helping manage professional and commercial matters.
More coverage
Read the full article at the source →
Originally published by The Guardian as “Jorge Messi, father and agent of Argentina great, dies aged 68”.