Jorge Messi played a fundamental role in one of football's greatest stories.
In 2000, when 13-year-old Lionel Messi was invited to Barcelona for a trial, Jorge travelled with his son from Rosario to Spain in pursuit of an opportunity. With the family unable to afford Lionel's growth hormone treatment in Argentina, Jorge worked closely with Barcelona to reach an agreement that included covering the medical costs that were essential for his development.
He made the difficult decision to leave behind his home and much of his life in Argentina so his son could focus entirely on football in a new country.
As Lionel Messi's career progressed, Jorge became his representative, managing his affairs while remaining a constant presence throughout every stage of his journey.
Behind one of the greatest careers football has ever seen was a father whose belief, sacrifices and commitment helped make it possible.
Jorge Messi has died at the age of 68.
Rest in peace. ❤️🕊️
No one knew about the health of Jorge Messi before the World Cup. Rumors started to come out during the World Cup. Messi tried to make everyone happy while dealing with the pain himself. But the campaign against him, painting him out to be a bad person continued. Difficult.
At the age of 68, after a long battle with a serious illness, Jorge Horacio Messi, Leo Messi’s father, has passed away, confirms @DiarioOle 💔😓
"His health had been deteriorating for some time. He fought through his illness both during and after the World Cup. That is why, following the final against Spain, Leo urgently traveled to Rosario to spend time with his father, whom he had not seen for almost two months.
"Messi’s tears after scoring his first goal against Algeria were the first indication of the difficult situation his father was going through. At one point during the tournament, Leo even considered leaving to go see him.
"Jorge spent time both hospitalized and at his home in Rosario, always accompanied by Celia, who also did not travel. His children Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol came and went to be by his side and support him. Lionel remained in frequent contact to stay updated on his condition, which at times appeared to improve, though the overall situation remained serious."
🚨🔵🔴 Barcelona are set to send their new bid for Rodri as the player has told Man City he ONLY wants Barça.
Barça have zero doubts internally: total confidence and seen as matter of time, working on the final fee.
@Plettigoal German clubs will be best for his development, but I don't think they'll pay the most! Hope we'll find him a great developing club and put a buy-back clause!
Durante estos últimos dos meses, Messi buscó incansablemente una alegría para todo el pueblo argentino mientras su padre agonizaba y tenía los días contados,Es el ser humano más grande de la historia de este país. Da vergüenza pensar que alguna vez hubo anti-Messi en Argentina.
Interviewer: "You played in five Champions League finals and lost in 2004 against Porto, against Barcelona in Rome in 2009, at Wembley in 2011, and in Berlin in 2015 against Barcelona again. Which defeat hurt you the most?"
Patrice Evra:
"The final in Rome. You know why? We were too arrogant. Before the match, we were all 100% sure it would be an easy win. We started very well, and then Guardiola destroyed us.
Messi was on my side, I was marking him, and Guardiola told Samuel Eto'o to move to my side. Eto'o was following me everywhere. Even if I went to the toilet, he was there. I told him, 'Sam, you're a striker, what are you doing here?' and he just said, 'Sorry, brother, I have to do my job.'
Then they scored the first goal. My God... Xavi, Iniesta, Busquets, that midfield... and they were up against Anderson. You got tired just watching them play. You know when people say you should press them? You simply can't.
And then Messi showed up and destroyed us."
FABIO CANNAVARO: "When Juventus were relegated to Serie B, I signed for Real Madrid. I called Del Piero to tell him that Real Madrid wanted him as well.
His response was: 'No... The captain of the ship is the last to leave when it sinks.' That made me feel ashamed of myself."