Jorge Messi, the father of Argentine national team captain and world champion Lionel Messi, has passed away at the age of 68.
According to reports from Infobae, as cited by the Operative Information Center-OMM, Jorge Messi died in a clinic in the city of Rosario following a prolonged illness.
Beyond his role as a father, Jorge Messi played a pivotal role in shaping Lionel Messi's professional football career. He closely guided his son from his early days at the Newell's Old Boys academy and provided crucial support during the family's relocation to Spain, which facilitated Lionel's entry into FC Barcelona.
Jorge Messi was instrumental in seeking medical solutions when Lionel suffered from a growth hormone deficiency during his childhood. He was a key figure in negotiating the move to Barcelona, where the Catalan club eventually covered the costs of the treatment and provided the necessary environment for the young talent's development.
For many years, Jorge Messi served as his son's primary advisor and representative off the pitch. While he generally preferred to maintain a low public profile, he remained a constant presence throughout the most significant milestones of Lionel Messi's illustrious career.
