Jorge Messi, father of Argentina football captain Lionel Messi, has passed away at the age of 68, according to reports.
Jorge had remained a constant presence throughout his son's legendary career, managing several aspects of his professional journey while largely staying away from the spotlight.
Jorge had been dealing with health-related issues for some time before his death, according to a report by Goal, citing multiple Argentinian media reports.
Jorge reportedly passed away in his hometown of Rosario on Friday night. An official statement confirming the reports has not yet been released by the Messi family.
Health Concerns Became Public Earlier This Year
As reported by Goal, concerns about Jorge Messi's health first gained attention in June after Lionel Messi became emotional following Argentina's match against Algeria at the FIFA World Cup.
The incident led to widespread speculation regarding his father's condition, prompting the Messi family to issue a public statement. At the time, the family confirmed that Jorge was undergoing medical treatment and recovering under the supervision of healthcare professionals. They also requested privacy and urged the media and the public to avoid spreading rumours or speculation about the family's personal matters.
Lionel Messi also missed the MLS All-Star Game in late July, with reports suggesting he travelled to spend time with his father during his illness. The Argentine captain later returned to action for his club after the brief absence, the report stated.
Who Was Jorge Messi?
Jorge Messi played a significant role in shaping Lionel Messi's career, serving as his longtime representative and adviser. He remained closely involved in many of the football star's major career decisions while maintaining a low public profile. His guidance and support were widely regarded as an important part of Lionel Messi's journey from a young talent in Argentina to one of football's greatest players.
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