Jorge Messi, Leo Messi's father, dies at 68

BarcelonaJorge Messi, Lionel Messi's father, has died at the age of 68 in a medical clinic in Rosario, the Argentine star's hometown, due to complications from a serious illness. The news was made public by the Argentine news portal Infobae, as well as the press from the Rosario region, and has been confirmed by ARA.

Jorge Messi had been in delicate health for some time. Two months ago, on the day the Argentine national team debuted in the World Cup with a victory (3-0) against Algeria, Leo Messi broke down in tears after scoring the first goal of the match. After the match, the footballer explained that he had had "a few difficult days" due to a "personal and family" situation, but he did not provide further details, beyond thanking the support of the coaching staff and his teammates. After all sorts of speculation, the family then issued a statement confirming that Jorge Messi was ill.

Jorge Messi has been a key figure in Leo Messi's career, right from his early steps in Newell's youth teams to the medical treatment – hormonal growth – during his son's adolescence and his arrival at La Masia at the age of 13. During Leo Messi's first years in Catalonia, his father remained by his side while the rest of the family continued in Rosario. Messi himself has recalled on several occasions the difficulties they faced during that period and highlighted his father's support when he had to decide whether to continue at Barça's academy or return home.

Always present in Leo Messi's career

Already in the player's professional stage, Jorge Messi was the representative and responsible for various dealings related to the footballer's career and commercial image. Without publicizing himself, he had always supported him and was a key figure in the decisions that have marked his son's professional career, from the frustrated renewal with Barça to the signing for PSG and, finally, Leo Messi's landing in Major League Soccer in the United States to play for Inter Miami. In fact, he was the first to know from the club, just five years ago, that Barça would not renew his son in the summer of 2021.For years, Jorge Messi maintained a low profile and gave few interviews, although he usually accompanied his son and the rest of the family on important occasions. Jorge Messi was married to Celia Cuccittini and was the father of Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol.