JORGE Messi, the father and longtime agent of Argentina and Inter Miami superstar Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68, the footballer’s childhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, announced on Saturday.
News Point Nigeria Sport reports that Argentine media said Jorge Messi died on Friday at a hospital in Rosario, Argentina, although further details surrounding his death were not immediately disclosed.
Newell’s Old Boys paid tribute to Jorge Messi, highlighting the important role he played throughout his son’s remarkable football career.
“His constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership were essential in backing every step of Lionel,” the Argentine club said in a social media tribute.
Jorge was more than an agent to his famous son. He was Lionel Messi’s first coach during his early football days in Argentina and remained by his side when the youngster moved to Barcelona as a child in pursuit of his football dreams.
He later became Messi’s agent and played a central role in managing his son’s professional career as the Argentine developed into one of the greatest players in football history.
Speaking about his father’s influence in a 2022 interview with DirecTV Sports, Lionel Messi acknowledged the significant impact Jorge had on his career.
“My father helped me enormously. He is very critical of me. That made me always want to push myself further,” Messi said.
Jorge’s influence extended beyond contract negotiations and career management, with his close relationship with his son making him one of the most familiar figures behind Messi’s rise from a young footballer in Rosario to a global sporting icon.
The Messi family had previously appealed to the media for “humanity” amid persistent speculation surrounding Jorge’s health, particularly during the period of the 2022 FIFA World Cup.
Jorge Messi’s death marks a significant personal loss for Lionel Messi, who has repeatedly acknowledged his father’s support and influence throughout his extraordinary football journey.
