Father Of Soccer Legend Lionel Messi Dead At 68

Jorge Messi, father of Argentine soccer legend Lionel Messi, died Friday night in Rosario, Argentina, at the age of 68, the Messi family confirmed to Reuters.

The elder Messi died at a medical clinic in his hometown following a lengthy illness, spending his final months moving between the facility and his home beside his wife Celia and children Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol. Jorge Messi served for years as his son’s agent and closest advisor, guiding his rise through Barcelona’s famed La Masia academy to a record eight Ballon d’Or awards.

“Newell’s Old Boys mourn with profound pain and sorrow the passing of Jorge Messi,” the Rosario club, where Lionel played youth soccer, said in a statement Saturday. “Jorge was the support and the person who, together with his wife, Celia, strengthened the career of the greatest player of all time with vision, rigor and affection.”

Before becoming his son’s agent, Jorge Messi worked at a steel mill in Argentina. In 2000, he took 13-year-old Lionel to Barcelona for a trial and helped secure his place in the club’s youth system, a commitment famously sketched out on a napkin. He continued managing Lionel’s career and business affairs as his son later joined Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.

His declining health became public during this summer’s World Cup, where Lionel Messi captained Argentina to the final before falling 1-0 to Spain. After scoring a hat trick in the opening match against Algeria, a tearful Messi told reporters his emotions “[weren’t] related to soccer,” citing “tough days.” The family later confirmed Jorge was under medical care.

Jorge did not travel to the tournament in North America, but the father and son spent time together in Rosario afterward before Lionel rejoined Inter Miami, where the 39-year-old returned to action last week.

Jorge Messi is survived by his wife and four children. A cause of death was not immediately disclosed.