ROSARIO — A deeply personal loss struck legendary footballer Lionel Messi’s family as his father, Jorge Messi, breathed his last at age of 68 after prolonged illness.
Jorge Messi died on Friday night at medical clinic in Rosario, where he had spent his final months undergoing treatment and moving between the facility and his home. He was surrounded by his wife, Celia, and their children, Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol.
For Argentine footballer, Jorge was far more than father. He was one of the most influential figures in the footballer’s extraordinary journey, standing beside him from his early development at Barcelona and later serving as his representative for several years.
Messi previously opened up about the importance of his father’s opinion, recalling how, as a young player, he would look to Jorge for reassurance after matches. “I always needed my dad’s approval, ever since I was a kid. After every match, I’d ask him what he thought of how I played,” Messi said.
The news comes after a difficult period for the Argentina captain. Following the World Cup, Lionel spent time with his father before returning to Inter Miami, where he resumed playing a week ago.
During the tournament, Messi’s emotions were already visible. After scoring his first goal in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria, the football superstar broke down in tears. He later explained that the moment was connected to personal circumstances rather than football, describing the days leading up to it as “difficult” and “complicated.”
The family later revealed that Jorge was receiving medical treatment.
Jorge Messi remained a significant presence throughout his son’s rise from a young football prospect to one of the most celebrated players in the history of the sport. His influence extended beyond Lionel’s career, as he was closely involved in major stages of the footballer’s professional life.
His death now marks a deeply emotional chapter for the Messi family, coming after months of health concerns and at a time when Lionel had only recently returned to the pitch.
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