Jorge Horacio Messi, the father of Argentina captain Lionel Messi, died at the age of 68 in Rosario on Friday night, August 7. According to Argentine press reports, he suffered from a severe illness that worsened over recent months.
He was hospitalized in a clinic in Rosario before his death. His family has not provided further details regarding his health condition, though his passing was described as a severe blow to the entire family.
Jorge Messi played a key role throughout the career of his son, who currently plays as a forward for Inter Miami. He originally worked as a metalworker in Argentina before leaving his life there to manage Lionel's signing for Spanish club Barcelona and accompany him in Europe.
During Lionel's childhood, his father fought to secure hormone treatment for him while he was in the youth ranks of Newell's Old Boys. He later served as a key advisor when his son moved to French club Paris Saint-Germain.
Father's influence and family life
In statements previously reported by Olé, Lionel Messi said he shared many traits with his father, who worked long hours, waking up at 4 a.m. and returning home for dinner. The forward said he missed his father as a child and now tries to copy his parents when raising his own children.
Messi added that his father acted as one of his main critics and helped him improve by pushing him to overcome his mistakes. He noted that while his mother always considered him the best player in every match, his father would point out missed chances even after a great game.
