What happens when the man who shaped one of soccer’s greatest legacies suddenly leaves the game forever? That’s the heartbreaking reality Lionel Messi is facing right now, and honestly, we’re all reaching for the tissues.
Jorge Messi, the legendary father and manager of soccer icon Lionel Messi, has passed away at the age of 68, and the soccer world is absolutely devastated. Newell’s Old Boys, Lionel’s first club and literally the birthplace of his entire empire, posted a touching tribute on Saturday, August 8, that read: “Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys bids farewell with deep sorrow and grief to Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 in the city of Rosario.” The statement was dripping with emotion, and honestly, we can’t blame them one bit.
Here’s what we know: Jorge has been THE guy behind the scenes for basically Messi’s entire career. We’re talking the man who believed in his son’s talent when he was just a pint-sized prodigy and helped orchestrate his rise to become arguably the greatest soccer player to ever grace the planet. Jorge wasn’t just a dad—he was Lionel’s manager, his confidant, and literally the architect of his success. Talk about a power duo!
The cause of death hasn’t been publicly disclosed, but sources are indicating it was due to an undisclosed health issue. Whatever happened, it clearly happened fast, and that makes this tragedy hit even harder for the Messi family. Lionel, who’s currently playing his heart out with Inter Miami, hasn’t publicly commented yet, but we can only imagine the pain he’s going through right now.
Fans across the globe are absolutely flooding social media with condolences, remembering Jorge as the visionary who literally changed soccer history. From Barcelona’s glory days to his son’s legendary Ballon d’Or wins—Jorge was there for ALL of it. One Twitter user perfectly captured it: “Jorge Messi didn’t just manage his son; he changed the entire sport. A true legend has left us.” And honestly? They’re not wrong.
The soccer community has come together in an outpouring of support that’s absolutely beautiful to witness. Players, coaches, and celebrities are all sharing their memories of Jorge’s incredible impact on the game. This is one of those moments that reminds us that behind every great athlete is an even greater support system.
What do you think? A) Jorge Messi’s legacy will live on through Lionel’s continued greatness B) This loss will impact Messi’s performance on the field