Jorge had been alternating between the medical centre and his home in Rosario, where he was cared for by his wife, Celia, and their children, Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol.
His death comes shortly after Lionel spent time with him following the World Cup in North America before returning to his club, Inter Miami.
Messi is expected to arrive in Rosario on a private flight from Miami to attend a private wake for his father, according to a source close to the family.
Jorge played a significant role in his son’s football career, supporting him from his early years at Barcelona and serving as his representative for several years.
“I always needed my dad’s approval, ever since I was a kid. After every match, I’d ask him what he thought of how I played,” Messi, 39, previously said.
During the World Cup, Messi experienced an emotional moment after scoring a hat-trick in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria, breaking down in tears while celebrating his first goal.
At a subsequent press conference, the Argentine captain said his tears were due to “something unrelated to football” after experiencing “a few difficult, complicated days.”
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Days later, the family released a statement about Jorge’s health, confirming that he was undergoing medical treatment.
Jorge’s remains are expected to be transferred on Sunday to El Prado private cemetery in Pérez, a town near Rosario, according to local media reports.
Several football clubs, including Real Madrid and Messi’s boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, as well as the Argentine Football Association, AFA, expressed condolences to the family.
The AFA said a minute’s silence would be observed at matches across all divisions in Argentina, while players, coaches and referees would wear black armbands.
“From here, we stand in solidarity with the entire family during this difficult time and send the most heartfelt, warm and affectionate embrace. Strength to you all,” the AFA said in a statement.
Barcelona, where Messi spent most of his career from his senior debut in 2004 until 2021, also paid tribute to Jorge.
“FC Barcelona thanks Jorge Messi for his commitment to our club, for entrusting us with the beginning and the most glorious years of his son Leo’s football career,” the club said in a statement.
Messi’s current club, Inter Miami, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The team is scheduled to face Monterrey in the Leagues Cup group stage later on Saturday.
REUTERS
