Jorge Messi, the father of Argentina captain Lionel Messi, has died at 68.
Reuters reported that the family said he passed away on Friday night at a hospital in Rosario after a long illness.
In the last few months, Jorge split his time between the hospital in Rosario and his home. He was with his wife Celia and their children Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol during that period.
Beyond being a father, Jorge played a key role in Lionel’s career. He was his first guide and closest adviser. From Lionel’s early days at Newell’s Old Boys in Rosario to his years at Barcelona and now with Inter Miami, Jorge was there at every stage. For many years he handled his son’s deals, protected him from outside pressure, and helped shape the decisions that turned a young talent into one of football’s biggest names.
Lionel has often talked about how close they were. “I always needed my dad’s approval, ever since I was a kid. After every match, I would ask him what he thought of how I played,” the Inter Miami forward said before.
The father and son spent time together in Argentina after the World Cup, before Lionel returned to the United States to play for Inter Miami. He was back on the pitch for the club just last week.
Worries about Jorge’s health came up during the World Cup. After Lionel scored three goals against Algeria in the first match and cried while celebrating, he later told reporters the emotion was “not about football” and followed “a few difficult, complicated days.” A few days after that, the family said Jorge was receiving medical treatment.
Since the news broke, clubs, former players and fans around the world have sent messages of support. Many remembered Jorge as the man who stood behind one of football’s greatest careers, and as a family man who stayed close to his son from Rosario to the world stage.