Jorge Messi, father and agent of Argentine football captain Lionel Messi, died at the age of 68 in his hometown of Rosario on Saturday. The Sanatorio Centro clinic in Rosario, located northwest of Buenos Aires, stated in a release that he passed away at 2 a.m. local time, or 05:00 GMT.
Club Atlético Newell's Old Boys, the club where the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner played as a child, announced his death. The club wrote on social media that it bade farewell to Jorge Messi with sadness and deep pain. The South American Football Confederation, Conmebol, stated on social network X that it accompanied Lionel, his family, friends and loved ones with respect and affection at this moment of deep pain.
Role in Lionel Messi's career
Jorge Messi was a fundamental figure throughout his son's career. He served as his first coach in Argentina and was his sole companion during his difficult early years at FC Barcelona. He later became his representative and negotiated astronomical contracts on his behalf.
Jorge Messi was also the person with whom the star liked to evaluate his performances after every match. In a 2022 interview with DirecTV Sports, Lionel Messi said his father had helped him enormously and was very critical of him, which made him always want to surpass himself.
