Lionel Messi's Father Jorge Messi Dies At 68 After Prolonged Illness

Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi's father, Jorge Messi, has passed away at the age of 68, Argentine club Newell’s Old Boys has confirmed. Back in June this year, Messi's family issued a statement stating his father was undergoing treatment and asked the media for privacy and humanity.

Newell's Old Boys confirmed the development on Saturday: “Club Atlético Newell's Old Boys bids farewell with deep sorrow and grief to Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 in the city of Rosario.”

Sanatorio Centro further issued a statement.

"SANATORIO CENTRO, through its Medical Director, fulfills the painful duty of informing of the death of patient JORGE MESSI, aged 68 years, which occurred today at 02:00 hours.

"We accompany his family and loved ones in this difficult moment, expressing our most sincere condolences.

“In compliance with current regulations on patient data protection, and out of respect for the family's privacy, no further details will be provided regarding the medical circumstances of the death.”

Who Was Jorge Messi?

Jorge Messi had played a primary role in reshaping Messi's career and became his agent, brokering deals with clubs. He always prioritised his son's well-being and helped the Argentine to feature for clubs like PSG and Inter Miami. Messi has never been represented by an outside agent throughout his career and his father drove his football career with utter professionalism and respect.

Jorge Messi was a chemical technician and worked as a steelworker. He played soccer as a midfielder and reached the youth ranks of Newell’s Old Boys but had to abandon the sport to complete his mandatory military service in Argentina.

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He played a fundamental role in his third son’s career, serving as his agent and managing his business affairs. He was the one who travelled with a young Messi to Barcelona in the early 2000s for the trial that would open the doors to La Masia, the Catalan club’s youth academy. Lionel Messi made his professional debut in 2005 and went on to win eight Ballon d’Or awards. He led Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title.

(With AP Inputs)