Lionel Messi's father, Jorge, died on Saturday at the age of 68 following a long illness. Messi, who plays for Inter Miami, missed the team's Leagues Cup defeat by Monterrey on Saturday night.
Tributes Pour in for Jorge Messi
Inter Miami paid tribute to Messi's father with a minute's silence before kick-off, while players wore black armbands and Jorge's name was displayed on the big screens at Nu Stadium. The club added a black ribbon to their social media profile pictures, and in a statement said: “Our hearts are with our captain, Leo, and the entire Messi family.” Fans held up handmade signs offering their support to Messi and paying tribute to his father.
Global Outpouring of Support
Fans left flags and flowers outside Messi's childhood home in Rosario, while Argentine giants Boca Juniors and River Plate both held periods of silence before their matches. The Argentine Football Association said it “deeply mourns with sadness and sorrow the passing of Jorge Messi, father of our captain and emblem, Lionel Messi”. It added: “From here, we stand in solidarity with the entire family during this difficult time and send the most heartfelt, warm and affectionate embrace.”
Legacy of Jorge Messi
In 2000, Jorge accompanied his 13-year-old son to Catalonia and played a key role in persuading the club to sign him. Barcelona thanked Jorge “for his commitment to our club, for entrusting us with the beginnings and the most glorious years of his son Leo’s football career”. Paris St-Germain, for whom Messi played between 2021 and 2023 after leaving Barcelona, said: “The club sends its full support to Leo, his family and loved ones in this painful ordeal. May he rest in peace.”
Looking Ahead
A private funeral took place on Sunday at a cemetery in the town of Perez, on the outskirts of Rosario. Messi flew back to Argentina on a private jet from Miami later that evening with his wife and three children. The world of football will continue to watch as Messi and his family navigate this difficult time, and the outpouring of support from the football community is a testament to the respect and admiration for the Messi family.
Source: Joy Online
