According to reports, Argentine icon Lionel Messi has suspended his football career indefinitely following the death of his father, Jorge Messi. Jorge Messi, 68, died at the clinic in Rosario following prolonged illness.
His father played a significant role throughout his career, making his passing a particularly devastating event for the legendary forward.
According to reports on a French website, the Argentine press cited that the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner has stepped away from his professional commitments to be with his family during this difficult time. Messi has, however, not revealed the date of his return, said the report, underscoring the extent to which football has taken a backseat for him as of now.
The 68-year-old Jorge Messi was not able to attend the FIFA World Cup matches this year due to illness. He was under medical monitoring and unable to attend the games, according to a statement from his family.
Lionel Messi, his wife Antonela Roccuzzo, and their kids arrived late on Saturday, August 8, on a private aero plane from Miami. Later on, Sunday, a private ceremony was held at a cemetery in the hamlet of Perez, next to Rosario, with close relatives and a few Argentina teammates.
Jorge Messi was not only the father of Barcelona player but played an important role in shaping his football career. Shortly after he began his journey in football, Jorge became Messi’s agent and strategic advisor after working for years as a supervisor at a steel factory. He was closely involved in Lionel’s early career at Newell’s Old Boys. When he was just 13, he helped him facilitate his move to Spain to join Barcelona’s youth academy.
Behind the scenes, he shaped one of the most amazing football careers in history by making the sacrifices that let his son pursue his passion.