Tributes for Jorge Messi
Lionel Messi missed Inter Miami’s Leagues Cup defeat against Monterrey on Saturday night following the death of his father, Jorge Messi. Jorge Messi, who was also his son’s agent since he was 14, passed away at the age of 68 in a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina, after a long illness. The family announced his death, and the medical center, Sanatorio Centro, confirmed he died in the early hours of the morning. The cause of death was not released out of respect for the family’s privacy.
Inter Miami paid tribute to Jorge Messi with a minute of silence before kick-off at Nu Stadium. Players wore black armbands, and Jorge’s name was displayed on the big screens. The club also added a black ribbon to their social media profile pictures and released a statement expressing their condolences to Leo and the entire Messi family. Fans at the stadium showed their support with handmade signs.
Messi’s Argentina teammate, Rodrigo de Paul, celebrated scoring the opening goal in the 2-1 defeat by revealing a shirt bearing Messi’s name. Luis Suarez, an Inter Miami striker who was suspended for the match, posted on Instagram that Jorge would continue to watch over his son with pride.
Widespread Condolences
Tributes extended beyond Inter Miami. Messi’s former club, Barcelona, observed a moment of silence before their 1-0 friendly win against Nottingham Forest in Udine, Italy. Barcelona thanked Jorge for his commitment to the club and for entrusting them with the early and most successful years of his son’s football career. Jorge had accompanied his 13-year-old son to Catalonia in 2000 and played a key role in his signing with the club.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) expressed deep sadness at the passing of Jorge Messi, acknowledging him as the father of their captain and emblem. They conveyed solidarity and a heartfelt embrace to the family during this difficult time. Paris St-Germain, where Messi played between 2021 and 2023, also sent their support to Leo, his family, and loved ones.
In Rosario, fans left flags and flowers outside Messi’s childhood home. Argentine clubs Boca Juniors and River Plate also held periods of silence before their matches. Newell’s Old Boys, the Rosario-based club where Lionel Messi played as a youth, confirmed his passing and paid tribute on social media, describing him as the pillar who supported the career of the best player of all time.
The South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), for which Messi is a goodwill ambassador, also sent their condolences. The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) extended its love and affection to Lionel and his loved ones.
Jorge Messi’s Legacy
Jorge Messi was a crucial figure throughout his son’s football journey, serving as his representative for several years. He closely accompanied Lionel from his early days at Barcelona through his transfers to PSG and Inter Miami, as well as his experiences with the Argentine national team. Lionel Messi had previously spoken about his reliance on his father’s approval, stating he would ask him for his thoughts after every match.
The family had publicly addressed Jorge Messi’s health during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, confirming he was undergoing medical treatment and was “recovering and progressing favorably.”
Jorge Messi spent his final months alternating between a medical centre in Rosario and his home, accompanied by his wife, Celia, and his children Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol. Lionel Messi had spent time with his father after the World Cup before rejoining Inter Miami a week ago.
The Argentine national team expressed its support for Messi’s family with a message that read “Fuerza Leo.”
Source: bbc.co.uk