Lionel Messi's father Jorge dies aged 68
- Jorge Messi had passed away on Friday in a hospital in Rosario
Lionel Messi's father and agent, Jorge Messi, has died at 68, as announced by his son's childhood club, Newell's Old Boys. He was a critical figure in Messi's career.
- Jorge Messi's instrumental role in Lionel's career.
- His early coaching and agency for Lionel Messi.
- Recent health concerns for Jorge Messi.
BUENOS AIRES: Jorge Messi, the father and agent of Lionel Messi, has died aged 68, the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s childhood club Newell’s Old Boys announced on Saturday.
Argentinian media reported Jorge Messi had passed away on Friday in a hospital in Rosario.
“His constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership were essential in backing every step of Lionel,” Newell’s Old Boys said in a social media post.
Jorge Messi was his son’s first coach in Argentina and his sole companion when he first moved to Barcelona as a child, before later becoming his agent.
“My father helped me enormously. He is very critical of me. That made me always want to push myself further,” Lionel Messi told DirecTV Sports in 2022.
Messi’s family asked the media for “humanity” during the recent World Cup amid persistent rumours over Jorge’s health.