<\/p>\n
Inter Miami star Rodrigo De Paul has paid a touching tribute to Lionel Messi after father Jorge died aged 68.<\/p>\n
The eight-time Ballon d\u2019Or winner\u2019s childhood club Newell\u2019s Old Boys confirmed on Saturday that arguably football\u2019s greatest ever player\u2019s father and agent had passed away on Friday in a hospital in Rosario.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership were essential in backing every step of Lionel,\u201d Newell\u2019s Old Boys said in a social media post.<\/p>\n
Watch the biggest Aussie sports & the best from overseas LIVE on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/i><\/b><\/p>\n After scoring a goal in Miami\u2019s 2-1 loss to Monterrey in the Leagues Cup, De Paul removed his jersey to reveal Messi\u2019s underneath, pointing to the No.10 in tribute.<\/p>\n The 39-year-old Argentine star arrived in his home country on Saturday alongside his partner, Antonella Rocuzzo, and their children, with most dressed in black, an AFP journalist reported from the airport.<\/p>\n Messi\u2019s family asked the media for \u201chumanity\u201d during the recent World Cup amid persistent rumours over Jorge\u2019s health.<\/p>\n The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) sent their \u201ccondolences\u201d to the Messi family.<\/p>\n \u201cOn behalf of Spanish football, we wish to convey all our love and affection to Lionel and his loved ones during this time of deep sorrow,\u201d the RFEF said in a statement.<\/p>\n A former metal factory worker, Jorge Messi was his son\u2019s first coach in Argentina and his sole companion when he first moved to Barcelona as a child, before later becoming his agent.<\/p>\n \u201cMy father helped me enormously. He is very critical of me. That made me always want to push myself further,\u201d Lionel Messi told DirecTV Sports in 2022.<\/p>\n In 2000, Jorge left behind a stable job in Argentina, his wife and three other children to move to Spain with his 13-year-old son.<\/p>\n