Lionel Messi is mourning the loss of the man who stood beside him long before he became one of the biggest names in sports.
Jorge Messi, the soccer superstar's father and longtime representative, has died at the age of 68 following a prolonged illness. He passed away in Rosario, Argentina, where the Messi family's extraordinary story began.
Messi's childhood club, Newell's Old Boys, confirmed the sad news, paying tribute to Jorge as a pivotal figure in his famous son's life and career. Jorge wasn't simply the dad cheering from the sidelines - for decades, he was one of the most important people behind the Messi machine.
And Lionel wasted little time getting home.
The Inter Miami superstar traveled back to Rosario to be with his family and say goodbye to his father, with reports indicating that the family opted for a private farewell rather than a public wake.
Jorge had reportedly been battling an undisclosed illness. The family had previously acknowledged that he was receiving treatment while pushing back against speculation surrounding his health and asking for privacy. A more specific cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
For Lionel, the loss is particularly significant because his father was there for virtually every chapter of his incredible rise.
When Messi was still a young prodigy in Rosario, Jorge helped guide the decisions that would eventually take his son from Newell's Old Boys to Barcelona. Lionel moved to Spain at just 13, beginning the journey that would ultimately make him a global superstar, multiple Ballon d'Or winner and World Cup champion.
Jorge remained closely involved throughout it all, eventually becoming Lionel's longtime agent and representative - handling the business surrounding one of the most valuable careers in sporting history.
The loss was immediately felt at Inter Miami, where Messi was absent from Saturday's match following his father's death. The club held a moment of silence for Jorge, displayed his name on the stadium screens and had players wear black armbands.
There was also an especially touching moment on the field.
After scoring, Messi's Argentina teammate Rodrigo De Paul lifted his shirt to reveal a Messi No. 10 jersey underneath in an emotional show of support. Fans also displayed messages for the grieving star, including "Fuerza Leo" - "Stay strong, Leo." Luis Suárez was among those offering condolences.
Jorge is survived by his wife, Celia Cuccittini, and their family.
For fans accustomed to seeing Messi celebrate championships, goals and trophies with his family nearby, this is a very different moment.
Before there was the Barcelona legend, the World Cup champion or the global phenomenon known simply as Messi, there was a father in Rosario helping his extraordinarily talented son chase an almost unimaginable dream.
Now Lionel Messi has returned to the city where that journey started to say goodbye to one of the men who helped make it possible.
