Barcelona, Real Madrid pay tribute to Messi’s father Jorge

Real Madrid and Barcelona have expressed condolences to Lionel Messi following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who played a pivotal role in shaping the football career of one of the greatest players of all time.

Jorge began working as Messi’s agent when his son was just 13 and remained a constant source of support throughout his career. He was instrumental in helping Messi move to Barcelona, where the Argentine went on to become a club legend after spending more than a decade dazzling fans in Spanish football.

Real Madrid were among the first clubs to extend their condolences. In a statement published on the club’s official website, the Spanish giants said, “Real Madrid, its president and its Board of Directors express their deepest condolences on the death of Jorge Messi, father of Lionel Messi. The club extends its sincere condolences to Lionel Messi, his family and all his loved ones.”

Barcelona followed shortly afterward with a statement of their own, saying, “The president and Board of Directors of FC Barcelona express their deepest condolences on the death of Jorge Messi, father of Barcelona player and legend Lionel Messi, and extend their sympathy to the Messi family on behalf of all Barça fans.”

The Catalan club also thanked Jorge Messi for his commitment to Barcelona and for the trust he placed in the club during the early stages of Lionel Messi’s career and throughout the years in which his son reached the highest levels of football.

“Rest in peace,” Barcelona concluded.

Messi’s boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, also paid tribute to Jorge Messi. The Argentine club described him as a well-known supporter and businessman, as well as the father of Lionel Messi, captain of the Argentina national team.

The club said Jorge, alongside his wife Celia, was a parent and guiding figure who helped nurture the career of one of the greatest footballers in history through vision, dedication and love.

“His unwavering support and leadership behind the scenes were extremely important at every step of Lionel’s journey,” Newell’s Old Boys said.

The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) also expressed its condolences, sending “respect and affection” to Lionel Messi and his family following Jorge Messi’s death.

-HIS