World football mourns Jorge Messi as Barcelona, Real Madrid and Inter Miami pay tribute

Jorge Messi, father and longtime agent of Lionel Messi, has died. The news sent a wave of grief through football, and some of the biggest clubs in the sport were quick to stand by the family of the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner. Jorge was much more than a parent to Leo - he was his closest adviser and confidant, by his side from the streets of Rosario through the move to Catalonia and on to global stardom. Barcelona, where Lionel Messi became a club icon, released a statement on behalf of its president and board. The Catalan club thanked Jorge for his loyalty and for trusting them with the start and the most glorious years of his son's career. Real Madrid set the historic rivalry aside. In an official message, the club's president and board sent their deepest sympathies to Leo, his family and everyone close to him. The statement ended with a simple farewell: "May he rest in peace." Inter Miami, the club Messi now captains, shared a short but heartfelt post: "Our hearts are with our captain, Leo, and the entire Messi family." There was also a shared moment of sorrow before the friendly between Barcelona and Nottingham Forest, as players, coaching staffs and supporters observed a minute of silence in memory of Jorge Messi.