Soccer Icon’s Father Passes Away: His Role in the Development of the Eight-Time Ballon d’Or Winner
Lionel Messi is one of the greatest, if not the sole greatest, soccer players of all time. His career has lasted several decades, with four UEFA Champions League titles, a FIFA World Cup, and eight Ballon d’Or titles. The 39-year-old’s career can only be described as extraordinary. On top of that, he has become a global role model for young players and professionals alike, obtaining status as one of Argentina’s most recognizable figures. His name has appeared on banners, newspapers, magazines, and ads all around the world, skyrocketing his fame beyond soccer. Today, however, Messi is on every headline for a different, and much more personal reason. The Argentine’s father, Jorge Horacio Messi, passed away at 68.
Committed to the Dream
Jorge Messi was born in Rosario, Argentina, where he married and had three boys and one girl. When Jorge, a chemical technician at a steel factory, witnessed the undeniable soccer talent of his third son, he made it his mission to ensure his success. When Lionel was only 13, Jorge took him to Spain to secure a contract with FC Barcelona, where he decided to stay with his son while the rest of his family continued to live in Rosario. He soon became the Argentinian phenomenon’s agent, managing his finances and marketing. Messi has expressed in past interviews how his father helped him improve as a player through his stern but motivational observations.
An Important Member of the Community
Just a few days into the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Messi’s father’s health condition was made public. Concerns over his well-being were raised, but no details about his condition were disclosed. Unfortunately, today, just a few days after the event, Jorge has passed away. The Argentinian’s local team, Newell’s Old Boys, has expressed their condolences, acknowledging his role within the soccer community. Messi himself has not issued any statements, although it is expected that he will be traveling back to Argentina soon to attend the funeral. Today, soccer mourns the loss of a figure that, despite not being on the field, allowed us to witness one of the greatest players of all time.
Final Thoughts
Messi has had to deal with a lot this year. Despite it all, he still managed to make it to a FIFA World Cup final, a performance that changed the race for the Ballon d’Or and placed his name among the prize’s contenders. The Argentinian soccer icon raised a player who plays at an incredibly high level even when things are difficult in his personal life. Thank you, Jorge, for everything you did for your son and world soccer.
