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The father and agent of Argentine star Lionel Messi, Jorge Messi, died this Saturday at the age of 68 in Rosario, his hometown, north of Buenos Aires.
The father of the Albiceleste national team captain passed away on Saturday at 02:00 local time (05:00 GMT), the Sanatorio Centro reported in a statement, clarifying that "out of respect for the family's privacy, no further details will be provided regarding the medical circumstances of the passing."
Jorge Messi was a fundamental figure throughout his son's career. He was his first coach in the 'potreros', as the vacant lots turned into makeshift soccer fields are known, and his only companion during the difficult beginnings in Barcelona, before becoming his agent and negotiating astronomical contracts.
He was also the person with whom 'La Pulga' used to analyze his performance after every match: "My old man helped me a lot. He is very critical of me. That made me always want to improve myself," the Argentine idol said in a 2022 interview with DirecTV Sports.
The reactions did not take long to arrive. The Professional Football League of Argentina and CONMEBOL expressed their condolences for the death of Jorge Messi.
"Stay strong, Leo!" and "we accompany Lionel, his family, friends, and loved ones with respect and affection in this moment of profound pain," they wrote respectively on X.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced that they will hold a minute of silence in tribute at each of the local league matches this weekend.
Although he was scheduled to play this Saturday with Inter Miami against Monterrey in the Leagues Cup, Lionel Messi plans to travel to Rosario during the Argentine afternoon, according to local media reports.
Jorge Messi's delicate health situation became known after the number 10 broke down in tears after scoring the first of his three goals in the 3-0 victory against Algeria, in the Albiceleste's debut at the 2026 North American World Cup.
"It was a matter unrelated to sports. I went through a few difficult and complicated days," the Argentine idol told reporters at the time.
[Publicidad]