Jorge Messi Passes Away at 68; Inter Miami Captain Returns to Argentina
Lionel Messi missed Inter Miami's recent fixture to attend the funeral of his father and longtime agent, Jorge Messi, in Rosario. Football clubs worldwide paid tribute to the man instrumental in the forward's early career at Barcelona.
Key takeaways
- Jorge Messi died at age 68 in Rosario following a prolonged illness.
- Lionel Messi missed Inter Miami's match against Monterrey to attend the private funeral in Argentina.
- Major football institutions including Barcelona, PSG, and the AFA expressed official condolences.
- Jorge Messi acted as his son's agent for over two decades, facilitating his move to Europe at age 13.
What Happened
Jorge Messi, the father and agent of Lionel Messi, died on Saturday at the age of 68 in Rosario, Argentina. Following a long illness, he passed away in a local hospital. Lionel Messi traveled from Miami to Argentina via private jet on Saturday evening, accompanied by his family, to attend a private funeral held Sunday in Perez. Due to these events, the Inter Miami captain was absent for the team's 2-1 Leagues Cup loss to Monterrey.
Background
Jorge Messi served as his son's representative since Lionel was 14 years old. He played a fundamental role in the athlete's professional trajectory, specifically in 2000 when he moved to Catalonia to secure his son's initial contract with FC Barcelona. Barcelona officials acknowledged his influence in entrusting the club with the player's early development and subsequent years of competition.
Key Facts
- Jorge Messi was 68 years old at the time of his death.
- Inter Miami players wore black armbands and observed a minute of silence at Nu Stadium.
- Former clubs FC Barcelona and Paris St-Germain issued statements of support.
- Argentina's domestic giants, Boca Juniors and River Plate, held moments of silence before their matches.
- The Argentine Football Association released an official statement of mourning for the father of their national captain.
Why It Matters
The death marks the loss of a primary figure in modern football history who managed the career of one of the sport's most decorated players. The widespread tributes across the United States, Argentina, and Europe demonstrate the significant influence the Messi family holds within global football institutions. The impact on Inter Miami was immediate, with the team playing without their star player during a tournament fixture while receiving public support from teammates like Luis Suarez and Rodrigo de Paul.
Sources reviewed
Project Chintan independently synthesized and analyzed information cross-checked across the sources listed above.
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