Jorge Messi, the 68‑year‑old father of football legend Lionel Messi, died in Rosario, Argentina, a loss confirmed by Newell’s Old Boys, the club where the younger Messi first honed his craft.
The Legacy of a Supportive Patriarch
Beyond his familial bond, Jorge was a former steelworker who turned his managerial acumen to shepherding his son’s rise from the modest fields of Malvinas to the world stage, guiding Lionel through contracts, endorsements and the relentless demands of elite sport.
During the recent FIFA World Cup, unfounded rumors of Jorge’s demise circulated online, prompting the Messi family to issue a stark rebuttal, insisting that only immediate relatives could provide accurate updates and dismissing the speculation as baseless.
On the field, Lionel Messi, then 39, delivered a spectacular performance, netting eight goals across eight matches, including a hat‑trick in his opening game against Algeria that moved the star to tears, underscoring the personal significance of the tournament.
Off the Pitch: Life After the Tournament
Following the tournament, Lionel stepped away from Inter Miami CF, traveling back to Argentina to be with his family, a pause that allowed him to process both triumphs and the lingering grief.
In his first Leagues Cup appearance after the break, Messi contributed two goals and an assist in a 4‑2 victory over Atlético de San Luis, reaffirming his sharpness despite the emotional hiatus.
The Inter Miami CF roster has yet to disclose details about Messi’s availability for the upcoming clash with Monterrey, leaving fans to wonder whether the star will feature in Saturday night’s contest.