El minuto de silencio en el partido de Inter Miami

The world of football is united in mourning following the passing of Jorge Messi, the father of global superstar Lionel Messi. Jorge Messi, who was 68 years old, died in the early hours of Saturday, August 8th, at a clinic in Rosario, Argentina, after a period of declining health. His death has sent ripples of sadness through the sporting community, prompting widespread tributes and expressions of solidarity with Lionel Messi and his family. The Inter Miami match, a club deeply intertwined with the Messi family’s current chapter, observed a moment of silence to honor Jorge’s memory, underscoring the profound impact he had not only on his son’s life and career but also on the wider football landscape.

Jorge Messi was more than just a father; he was a steadfast pillar of support, a shrewd advisor, and a fundamental architect of Lionel Messi’s unparalleled journey from the humble streets of Rosario to the pinnacle of global football. Friends and acquaintances consistently recall Jorge’s deeply ingrained desire for a grounded, middle-class existence, a sentiment he often expressed even as his family achieved extraordinary wealth and fame. This groundedness was evident in the intimate glimpses of the Messi household, characterized by warmth, family gatherings, and the simple pleasure of sharing a meal together. A close friend of the family shared with LA NACION that despite their immense fortune, the Messis remained a "common family, middle class, hard-working," a testament to Jorge’s enduring values. This philosophy likely shaped Lionel’s public persona, which has consistently been marked by humility and a deep connection to his roots.

The news of Jorge Messi’s passing has triggered a wave of heartfelt tributes from across the footballing world. Many prominent figures have extended their condolences, highlighting Jorge’s pivotal role in his son’s career and his personal journey. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) and the technical staff of the national team dispatched floral tributes, a symbolic gesture of respect and shared grief. Similarly, Newell’s Old Boys, the club where Lionel Messi began his youth career and where Jorge’s influence was formative, also sent flowers, acknowledging the deep connection Jorge had with the club’s origins.

Beyond the official acknowledgments, the sporting community has rallied around Lionel Messi. Managers and players, many of whom have shared pitches and dressing rooms with Lionel, have offered their support. Matías Almeyda, a prominent figure in football management, sent his condolences to the Messi family, as did Martín Palermo, a legendary Argentine striker. These messages underscore the widespread respect and admiration Jorge Messi commanded within the sport.

A poignant reminder of the father-son bond resurfaced in the wake of Jorge’s death: a video from July 2021 showing Lionel Messi making a video call to his father immediately after Argentina’s triumphant Copa América victory. The image of Lionel, visibly emotional and sitting on the pitch, connecting with his father via his phone, captured the depth of their relationship. This moment occurred during a tournament played under strict COVID-19 protocols, with matches held behind closed doors and family members unable to be present. The video call, therefore, represented a crucial lifeline, allowing Jorge to share in his son’s monumental achievement in real-time, a testament to their enduring connection despite physical distance.

Jorge Messi’s influence extended far beyond the emotional support he provided. He was instrumental in navigating the complexities of Lionel’s early career. In September 2000, at the tender age of 13, Lionel traveled to Barcelona for a trial, a pivotal moment that would shape football history. Jorge, then a supervisor at a steel factory, took the bold step of facilitating this opportunity, recognizing his son’s extraordinary talent. This decision, made at a time when the family grappled with Lionel’s growth hormone deficiency and the associated medical costs, marked the beginning of a journey that would see Jorge transition from a factory supervisor to a central figure in managing his son’s burgeoning career. He became Lionel’s primary representative, overseeing contracts, managing finances, and providing strategic counsel, effectively building the foundation for both a sporting dynasty and a strong familial partnership.

The bond between Jorge and Lionel was forged in the crucible of early challenges. The decision for Lionel to undergo treatment for his growth hormone deficiency, which involved nightly injections, was a significant financial and emotional burden for the Messi family. Barcelona’s offer to cover these costs as part of signing Lionel to their famed La Masia academy was a lifeline, and Jorge played a crucial role in making this arrangement possible. This shared experience of overcoming adversity undoubtedly strengthened their already profound relationship, establishing a partnership that was as much about familial support as it was about professional management.

The last photograph Lionel Messi shared with his father on social media, accompanied by the touching caption "Un abrazo grande" (A big hug), now carries an even deeper resonance. It encapsulates the enduring affection and gratitude Lionel felt for his father, who served as his unwavering champion and confidant throughout his illustrious career. This public display of appreciation underscores the private strength of their bond, a relationship built on mutual respect and shared dreams.

Jorge Messi’s passing has also been marked by a significant outpouring of memories and reflections on his character and his impact. A recurring theme is his consistent desire to maintain a grounded, middle-class identity for his family, even amidst unprecedented global fame and wealth. This intrinsic humility, instilled by Jorge, has been a hallmark of Lionel Messi’s public persona. The late father’s influence extended to his role as a strategic advisor, skillfully managing the intricate web of contracts, endorsements, and public relations that accompany a career of Lionel’s magnitude. He provided not only professional guidance but also a grounding force, ensuring that the immense pressures of global superstardom did not erode the family’s core values.

The tributes have also extended to a poignant celebration of Jorge Messi’s role in his son’s triumphs. The video of Lionel celebrating the 2021 Copa América victory with a video call to his father serves as a powerful illustration of their connection. This moment, captured during a period of global uncertainty and isolation due to the pandemic, highlighted the profound importance of familial support. It was a father and son sharing a moment of immense pride and accomplishment, bridging the physical distance through technology and an unbreakable bond.

The professional sphere has also paid homage to Jorge Messi’s significant contributions. Ubaldo Fillol, a legendary Argentine goalkeeper and 1978 World Cup winner, took to social media to express his "hug of the soul" and condolences to Lionel and the entire Messi family. His message reflects the widespread sentiment within Argentine football, recognizing Jorge’s pivotal role in nurturing one of the sport’s greatest talents.

The impact of Jorge Messi’s passing is felt keenly by those closest to Lionel. Leandro Paredes, a teammate of Messi’s in the Argentine national team and now at AS Roma, has announced his intention to travel to Rosario to offer his personal support to Lionel during this difficult time. Such gestures of solidarity from teammates underscore the profound impact Jorge’s loss has had on the broader football family.

Luis Suárez, Lionel Messi’s close friend and current teammate at Inter Miami, shared a deeply emotional message on social media: "Friend, I hug you tightly and your whole great family. Your dad will continue to watch over you from above with pride, as he always did. All my affection in these moments goes to the Messi family. Rest in peace, Jorge." This heartfelt tribute speaks volumes about the personal relationships forged through shared experiences on and off the field, highlighting the deep respect and affection Jorge Messi inspired.

The Inter Miami match itself served as a somber backdrop to the news, with fans dedicating a banner to Messi, a visible sign of their support for the player and his family. While the match proceeded, the underlying mood was one of shared grief and solidarity, acknowledging the personal tragedy unfolding for their star player. The minute of silence observed before the game was a solemn and fitting tribute to a man who played such a crucial, albeit often behind-the-scenes, role in shaping one of the most celebrated careers in sporting history.

Jorge Messi’s legacy is multifaceted. He was a devoted father who prioritized his family’s well-being and values above all else. He was a shrewd businessman and strategist who guided his son through the often-treacherous waters of professional football, ensuring his talent was nurtured and protected. And he was a symbol of the unwavering support that can propel an individual to extraordinary heights. His passing leaves a void not only in the Messi family but also in the narrative of modern football, a narrative he helped to write with quiet determination and profound love. His preference for a "middle-class" life, even in the face of unimaginable wealth, serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring importance of humility, family, and groundedness, values that continue to define Lionel Messi’s remarkable journey.