Jorge Messi, the father and longtime representative of Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68, according to multiple Argentine media reports.
Jorge had reportedly been dealing with health complications for some time, with concerns over his condition becoming more widely known after Lionel Messi became emotional following Argentina’s World Cup match against Algeria in June.
After scoring in the match, Messi was asked about his tears and explained that they were unrelated to football.
“Why was I crying? It had absolutely nothing to do with football. I have had a few difficult days,” the football star said.
His remarks triggered speculation about his father’s health, prompting reports from several media organisations about Jorge’s condition.
According to reports cited by Goal.com, the Messi family later confirmed that Jorge was receiving medical treatment and appealed to the public and media to respect his privacy.
The family said Jorge was “currently dealing with health problems” and was “under medical supervision and recovering well” at the time.
The family also expressed concern over what it described as insensitive reports and speculation about Jorge’s medical condition, stressing that the matter was private.
Lionel Messi later missed the Major League Soccer All-Star Game in late July, with reports suggesting that he had travelled to be with his father. He subsequently returned to action for Inter Miami before reports of Jorge Messi’s death emerged.
Jorge Messi was a key figure throughout his son’s remarkable football career. He played a major role in managing Lionel’s affairs from his early days in Argentina through his rise to global stardom.
Under Jorge’s guidance, Lionel Messi went on to become one of the most decorated and influential footballers in the history of the sport.
The news of Jorge Messi’s death is expected to prompt tributes from across the football world as Lionel Messi and his family mourn his passing.
