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Jorge Messi, the father of Argentina captain and soccer superstar Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68. He passed away Saturday at a hospital in Rosario, Argentina, following months of treatment for an unspecified illness.
The death was announced by Newell’s Old Boys, the Rosario-based soccer club where Jorge Messi spent part of his youth. The club paid tribute to him and highlighted his important role in supporting Lionel Messi’s extraordinary football career.
Jorge Messi Dies After Health Struggles
According to Newell’s Old Boys, Jorge Messi had been receiving medical treatment in recent months. However, the Messi family had previously asked the media to respect his privacy and avoid speculation about his health.
During this year’s World Cup, Lionel Messi appeared emotional after scoring against Algeria. He later revealed that he had been going through difficult personal circumstances unrelated to football.
Messi thanked his teammates and the Argentina delegation for supporting him during that challenging period. The Messi family later confirmed that Jorge was dealing with a health issue but did not disclose further medical details.
The family also criticized what it described as insensitive media coverage surrounding his condition. They emphasized that Jorge’s health was a private family matter.
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Jorge Messi’s Role in Lionel Messi’s Career
Jorge Messi played a major role in shaping his son’s legendary football career. He worked as a chemical technician and steelworker before becoming deeply involved in Lionel Messi’s professional affairs.
Jorge also had a football background. He played as a midfielder and reached the youth ranks of Newell’s Old Boys. However, he eventually left the sport to complete mandatory military service in Argentina.
His experience and dedication later became crucial to Lionel Messi’s development.
When Lionel was still a young player, Jorge accompanied him during the family’s difficult transition from Argentina to Spain. In the early 2000s, he traveled with Lionel to Barcelona for a trial that eventually helped the young footballer enter La Masia, the famous youth academy of FC Barcelona.
That opportunity became a turning point in Lionel Messi’s life.
A Father Who Stayed Beside Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi has spoken publicly about how much his father supported him during the early years of his career.
Moving from Argentina to Barcelona was not easy for the young Messi. In a 2007 interview, Lionel recalled the emotional difficulties he and his father experienced after arriving in Spain.
Jorge remained beside his son even when the family faced uncertainty. Lionel has described how they sometimes struggled emotionally but continued moving forward because they believed in his football dream.
That support became an important part of Messi’s journey from a young academy player to one of the greatest footballers in history.
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Jorge Messi Managed His Son’s Business Affairs
Beyond his role as a father, Jorge Messi became an important figure in Lionel Messi’s professional and financial affairs.
He helped negotiate major contracts during Lionel’s time at Barcelona. He was also involved in his son’s later moves to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.
Jorge additionally helped oversee Lionel Messi’s commercial interests, including image rights and investments in areas such as real estate, hotels and restaurants.
His influence extended far beyond football. He was a trusted family figure who helped Lionel navigate the business side of becoming one of the world’s most recognizable athletes.
Tributes for Jorge Messi
Newell’s Old Boys described Jorge Messi as a central figure behind Lionel’s success. The club praised his vision, discipline and affection while recognizing the support he provided throughout his son’s career.
The South American Football Confederation, CONMEBOL, also expressed condolences to Lionel Messi and his family.
Lionel Messi has built an extraordinary legacy, winning multiple major trophies and a record eight Ballon d’Or awards. He also led Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title.
Behind that remarkable journey was a father who supported his son from his earliest football days.
Jorge Messi’s death marks a deeply personal loss for Lionel Messi and his family. His influence on one of football’s greatest careers will remain an important part of Lionel Messi’s story.
