Lionel Messi's father, Jorge, who had been his agent since Lionel was 14, has died aged 68 at a medical clinic in his native Rosario, Argentina, after a prolonged illness, the Messi family have said. He died on Friday, having spent his final months moving between the clinic and the family home, accompanied by his wife, Celia, and children Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol, alongside Lionel.
The illness had been kept private for months. During Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria in June, an Argentine television presenter falsely reported that Jorge had died; the presenter later resigned, and the family said they felt "deep discomfort with the lack of sensitivity, respect and discretion with which some people have treated what is strictly a private family matter." Speaking after scoring in that match, Lionel Messi said the emotion he showed while celebrating "had nothing to do with football." "I have been through some difficult, complicated days," he said. "I am thankful for the support I have received from my teammates and the staff during this time." A week later, the family confirmed that Jorge was "going through a health situation" and undergoing medical care, adding he was "recovering and progressing favourably within the condition he is experiencing."
Newell's Old Boys, the Rosario club where a seven-year-old Lionel began his career and where Jorge was a lifelong supporter, said in a statement that 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, rigour and affection." Conmebol, South American football's governing body, offered its condolences "with respect and affection for Lionel."
Jorge worked in a steel factory in Rosario before relocating to Europe when Lionel joined Barcelona's academy in 2000; the family moved to Spain the following February, after Barcelona signed the 13-year-old, though Lionel's mother and three siblings soon returned to Rosario while Jorge stayed on with him in Barcelona. He went on to manage his son's career through Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami. Under his guidance, Lionel became Barcelona's record appearance-maker and goalscorer, an eight-time Ballon d'Or winner, and captained Argentina to the 2022 World Cup before this summer's final, lost 1-0 to Spain. Jorge had been unable to attend the tournament in North America. Lionel spent time with him in Rosario afterwards, before returning to action for Inter Miami, who host Monterrey in the Leagues Cup on Saturday; the club is yet to say whether he will feature.