Lionel Messi's Father Jorge Dies in Argentina at 68
On.cc · 2 SOURCESabout 1 hour ago2 MIN
Summary
Jorge Messi, father and agent of Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi, passed away on the evening of August 7 local time at a nursing home in Rosario, Argentina, at the age of 68 . He had been struggling with a long-term illness in recent years, and his health had been a source of concern for the family .
Key Points
- Jorge Messi died at a nursing home in Rosario, Argentina, on the evening of August 7 local time, aged 68 .
- Newell's Old Boys, Lionel Messi's boyhood club, announced the death on social media, stating Jorge had been receiving treatment in recent months .
- Jorge Messi had been plagued by long-term health issues and was falsely reported to have died during this summer's World Cup .
- His final public appearance came in November last year when he watched Lionel play for Inter Miami against New York City in an MLS playoff semi-final at home .
- Jorge Messi worked as a steel fixer before becoming a businessman, and later invested his family's savings to take Lionel from Newell's Old Boys to Barcelona to treat his growth hormone deficiency, paving the way for his son's legendary career .
Why It Matters
Jorge Messi's pivotal role in his son's development—from relocating the family to Barcelona and managing Lionel's early career to serving as his agent—shapes how Hong Kong fans understand the human sacrifices behind sporting greatness. His death comes shortly after Lionel's emotional hat-trick and tears during the World Cup opener, which the player attributed to personal difficulties rather than athletic pressure, now understood in fuller context .
Jorge Messi's pivotal role in his son's development—from relocating the family to Barcelona and managing Lionel's early career to serving as his agent—shapes how Hong Kong fans understand the human sacrifices behind sporting greatness. His death comes shortly after Lionel's emotional hat-trick and tears during the World Cup opener, which the player attributed to personal difficulties rather than athletic pressure, now understood in fuller context .