Jorge Messi, father of soccer star Lionel Messi, passed away on Friday evening at age 68 at a clinic in Rosario, Argentina, after a long illness. The player's family confirmed the news to Reuters.
According to the family, in his final months, Jorge alternated treatment between a medical center in Rosario and his home, cared for by his wife Celia and children Rodrigo, Matias, and Maria Sol.
Lionel Messi had spent time with his father following the World Cup before returning to training with Inter Miami, where he returned to the pitch a week ago.
Jorge was a constant presence throughout his son's career, from the early days at Barcelona. He was a vital emotional support and for many years served as Lionel's representative.
"I have always needed my father's approval since I was a child. After every match, I would ask my father what he thought of my performance," the soccer star once shared.
Newell's Old Boys, the club where Lionel Messi played as a child, paid tribute to Jorge. "His unwavering support and quiet role as a foundation were crucial to every step of Lionel's progress," the club posted on social media.
During the recent World Cup, the Argentina captain was seen in tears after scoring his first goal in the opening match against Algeria, where he netted a hat-trick. Later, at a press conference, Lionel explained the tears came from "something unrelated to soccer" after going through "difficult, complicated days."
Days later, the family issued a statement about Jorge's "health condition," saying he was undergoing medical treatment.
