Lionel Messi, the renowned football star and captain of Argentina, visited El Prado cemetery in Rosario, Argentina, on Saturday to bid farewell to his father.
Jorge, aged 68, passed away in the early hours of the day at a local hospital after battling an undisclosed illness for several months.
Jorge was instrumental in shaping his son’s career, serving as his agent and managing his business dealings. He accompanied a young Lionel to Barcelona for his trial at La Masia, setting the stage for a career that would earn Lionel eight Ballon d’Or awards and lead Argentina to a World Cup victory in 2022.
Carlos Ibañez, a kiosk owner near the family’s former residence, described Messi’s father as “an excellent person.” He noted, “Jorge sacrificed a lot for the family. He worked many hours, often outside, and made numerous sacrifices for everything.”
Jorge’s passing comes after Messi shared the challenges he faced on a personal level during this year’s World Cup. After the tournament, Messi spent time in Argentina with his father before returning to his club, Inter Miami, a week ago.
The family had requested privacy concerning Jorge’s health following media reports about his condition.
In response to Jorge’s death, several clubs, including Real Madrid and Newell’s Old Boys, where Lionel played as a young boy, along with CONMEBOL, extended their condolences to the family. The Argentine Football Association mandated a minute of silence at matches nationwide and required players, referees, and coaching staff to wear black armbands.
Inter Miami also honored their absent captain’s father during Saturday’s Leagues Cup match against Monterrey with a moment of silence before the game.
