Rosario, Aug 09 (V7N) – Argentine football is mourning the death of Jorge Messi, father and longtime adviser of football superstar Lionel Messi, who died at the age of 68 after a prolonged illness.
Jorge Messi passed away at a clinic in Rosario, Argentina, prompting tributes from across the football world.
The Argentine Football Association (AFA) expressed condolences to Lionel Messi and his family and announced a series of tributes in memory of Jorge.
According to the association, a minute of silence will be observed and players will wear black armbands before upcoming matches across all divisions of Argentine football. The AFA office flag will also remain at half-mast until next Friday as a mark of respect.
Jorge played an important role in Lionel Messi's early football career. He served as his son's first agent and was a key figure in supporting his development from a young player in Argentina to an international football star.
He was instrumental in the decision to take Lionel Messi to Spain at the age of 13, a move that eventually led to the young footballer joining Barcelona's famed youth academy.
Tributes have also come from Messi's former club Barcelona and Spanish rivals Real Madrid. Real Madrid expressed condolences to Messi, his family and loved ones, while Barcelona highlighted Jorge Messi's contribution and role in the footballer's career.
Newell's Old Boys, the Rosario club where Lionel Messi began his youth football journey, and South American football governing body CONMEBOL also joined the condolences.
The widespread tributes have highlighted Jorge Messi's influence behind the scenes in helping guide his son's remarkable football journey.
As Argentine football prepares to pay tribute to him before upcoming matches, clubs, players and football organizations around the world have expressed their support for Lionel Messi and his family during their time of mourning.
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