Barcelona salute Jorge Messi’s influence on son Lionel’s extraordinary rise

Barcelona have paid tribute to Jorge Messi, the father of club legend Lionel Messi, following his death at the age of 68 in Rosario, Argentina.

Jorge Messi died early on Saturday after an illness at a clinic in the city where he had been receiving treatment, according to Argentine sources.

Barcelona published a statement across their official social media accounts offering their condolences to the Messi family.

“The president of FC Barcelona and the board of directors wish to express their deepest condolences on the death of Jorge Messi, father of former Barcelona player and legend Lionel Messi, and, on behalf of all Barcelona supporters, convey their sympathy to the Messi family,” the club said.

The Catalan club also acknowledged Jorge Messi’s contribution to Lionel’s career and his relationship with Barcelona during the player’s formative years.

“Barcelona thanks Jorge Messi for his commitment to our club and for the trust he placed in us at the beginning of his son Leo’s football career, and during the years in which his career reached the highest levels of excellence,” the statement added.

Barcelona concluded their message with the words: “Rest in peace.”

Jorge Messi played a central role in his son’s sporting and professional life from an early stage. He managed Lionel’s affairs for many years and accompanied him during the move from Argentina to Barcelona while the future forward was still young.

Lionel Messi went on to become one of the greatest players in football history during an illustrious spell at Barcelona. The Argentina international developed through the club’s youth system after arriving from his homeland and established himself as one of the defining figures of the modern game.

The clinic where Jorge Messi had been treated said he died at 02:00 local time on Saturday. No further medical details were released, with the facility citing respect for the family’s privacy.

Jorge Messi’s death also prompted a message from Real Madrid, who issued a statement expressing their condolences to their former rival’s legendary player following the loss of his father.

Lionel Messi spent the majority of his club career at Barcelona, where he became the club’s record scorer and won numerous domestic and international honours. His rise from Argentina to global prominence was closely linked to the decisions and support of his father, who remained involved in his professional affairs throughout the journey.

The tributes from Barcelona and Real Madrid reflect the significance of Jorge Messi’s role in the career of a player whose achievements made him one of football’s most recognisable and decorated figures.