Argentine football star Lionel Messi has returned to his home country following the death of his father and longtime agent, Jorge Messi, who passed away aged 68.
Messi, 39, travelled to Argentina for his father’s funeral after Jorge’s death was reported in Rosario. Messi’s childhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, confirmed the news and paid tribute to Jorge’s important role in the footballer’s career.
Newell’s Old Boys Pay Tribute to Jorge Messi
Newell’s Old Boys described Jorge as a key figure behind Lionel Messi’s development, highlighting his constant support and guidance throughout the footballer’s journey.
Argentine media reported that Jorge died on Friday at a hospital in Rosario.
The family had previously asked the media to show sensitivity regarding Jorge’s health, particularly during the recent World Cup, when speculation about his condition had circulated.
Jorge Messi Was Lionel’s First Coach
Before becoming his son’s agent, Jorge Messi played an important role in Lionel’s early football development.
A former metal factory worker, Jorge was among Lionel’s first coaches in Argentina and remained by his son’s side when the young Messi moved to Barcelona.
In 2000, Jorge left his stable job and family in Argentina to accompany 13-year-old Lionel to Spain as he pursued his football dream.
Father and Son Faced Early Challenges in Barcelona
The move to Barcelona was not easy for either father or son. Messi later recalled that both struggled emotionally after arriving in Spain but tried to hide their difficulties from each other.
Jorge also gave Lionel the choice of returning home when circumstances became difficult. Lionel decided to continue his journey in Barcelona, and his father remained by his side.
That decision eventually became a defining moment in the career of one of football’s greatest players.
Jorge Became Messi’s Agent
Jorge Messi later played a central role in managing his son’s professional career.
He helped finalise Lionel’s first contract with Barcelona and became his agent and representative. He continued in that role during Messi’s later career with Paris Saint-Germain and in Miami.
Lionel has previously spoken about his father’s influence, describing him as a highly critical figure whose guidance pushed him to improve.
Tributes Pour In for Messi Family
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) also expressed its condolences to the Messi family.
The federation extended its sympathy to Lionel and his loved ones during what it described as a period of deep sorrow.
Jorge was known for maintaining a relatively private life despite his son’s global fame. In one interview, he spoke emotionally about his connection with Lionel and his love for watching his son play football.
Jorge Messi’s Legal Controversies
Jorge Messi’s career as his son’s representative was also accompanied by legal controversies.
In 2013, Spanish authorities accused Lionel and Jorge Messi of using a network of companies in several countries to handle the footballer’s image rights and evade taxes. The case was resolved in 2017 with multi-million-euro fines.
A separate case involving allegations of tax offences, fraud and money laundering was later dismissed in 2021.
A Lasting Influence on Lionel Messi
Despite the controversies surrounding parts of his professional career, Jorge Messi remained one of the most influential figures in Lionel Messi’s life.
From coaching his son during his childhood in Argentina to accompanying him to Spain and managing his professional career, Jorge was closely involved in Messi’s rise to global football stardom.
His death marks a deeply personal loss for the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner, who has now returned to Argentina to say farewell to his father.