Legendary footballer Lionel Messi has returned to his native Argentina to mourn the loss of his father and longtime representative, Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68. The news was confirmed by Newell’s Old Boys, the club where Lionel first began his journey, sparking an outpouring of support from the global football community. The Spanish Football Federation was among the first to offer official condolences, expressing their deepest sympathies to the Messi family as they navigate this difficult time.

Jorge Messi played a pivotal role in his son’s illustrious career, famously leaving his life in Argentina behind in 2000 to support a 13-year-old Lionel during his initial move to Barcelona. Beyond the professional relationship that saw him manage his son's iconic career, Jorge was a foundational pillar of support, guiding the star through the immense pressure and challenges of his early professional years. While their journey was occasionally marked by legal scrutiny regarding financial affairs, the elder Messi’s legacy remains inextricably linked to the personal sacrifices he made to nurture one of football’s greatest talents.