Lionel Messi's father dies in Rosario

Jorge Messi died Friday evening at a clinic in Rosario, Argentina, at the age of 68, after a long illness. He had been receiving medical care in recent years, but details of his illness were not disclosed out of respect for the family's privacy.

Jorge played a pivotal role in his son Lionel Messi's career, not only as a father but also as an agent and close advisor. From Messi's childhood and his struggles with growth hormone deficiency, Jorge sought to secure treatment for him and find a major club that believed in his talent, ultimately succeeding in bringing him to Barcelona at the age of thirteen.

As Messi became a global superstar, Jorge took over his contractual and commercial affairs, and was present during negotiations for his transfers from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain and then to Inter Miami. Throughout his life, he preferred to stay out of the spotlight and work behind the scenes to support his son.

Jorge Messi accompanied him through his most important milestones, from winning the Copa America to lifting the 2022 World Cup with Argentina. With his passing, football loses a key figure who was instrumental in creating one of the greatest sporting success stories in history.