Jorge Messi, the father and longtime agent of Inter Miami star Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68, according to reports emerging from Argentina. While the exact cause of death remains undisclosed, concerns about his health had become public during the recent World Cup.
During the group stage match between Argentina and Algeria, where Messi scored the opening goal in a 3-0 victory, he was seen wiping tears from his eyes, suggesting his father’s condition weighed heavily on his mind. After the game, the Argentina captain spoke briefly about his emotional state, acknowledging, “I’ve had some tough days,” though he refrained from providing further details. “It wasn’t related to soccer,” he explained, expressing gratitude toward his teammates, coaching staff, and delegation for their support.
A Lifelong Influence on a Legendary Career
Throughout Lionel Messi’s rise to global stardom, Jorge Messi played a crucial role, acting as his son’s agent from an early age and guiding his career decisions. When Lionel was just 13, the family relocated to Catalonia, leveraging familial connections to facilitate his entry into Barcelona’s famed youth academy. This move proved decisive, as Messi went on to become the club’s ultimate icon.
Over the years, Messi has amassed an extraordinary collection of honors, including multiple Champions League and LaLiga titles with Barcelona, trophies in France and the United States, and significant international achievements. His crowning moment came with Argentina’s victory at the 2022 World Cup, complemented by two Copa América triumphs, cementing his legacy as one of the sport’s greatest.
Despite the vast array of trophies and accolades, it was the unwavering support and guidance from his father, Jorge, that formed the foundation of Messi’s remarkable journey in football.