The relationship between Lionel Messi and his father, Jorge Messi, has always held a central place in the footballer's life. Long before the titles with the Argentine National Team and becoming one of the greatest figures in the history of football, they both went through years of sacrifices, uncertainty, and life-changing decisions together.
One of the most remembered testimonies about that bond occurred in 2007, when Messi was just 20 years old and beginning to establish himself as one of the great figures of Barcelona. During an interview on the show Fútbol y algo más, hosted in Rosario by Marcelo "Pelado" Ramírez, the footballer received a recorded message from his father.
The message from Jorge Messi to his son
The television production chose to show Messi a video in which Jorge reviewed the difficulties they had faced from the player's childhood in Rosario to his arrival in Spanish football.
"You know very well that we have gone through many good and not so good moments. About those not so good moments, you know that we always came out stronger and we hope that this continues, because this helps us to be stronger in life and helps you to be who you are, because in some way I believe that above being a good football player, you are an excellent person", Jorge Messi expressed.
His father's words generated a contained reaction in Lionel. During the interview, the host recalled that the footballer had defined Jorge as "my best friend," something Messi confirmed with a gesture.
The difficult moments they lived together
The captain of the Argentine National Team also spoke about the most painful part of that family story. The move to Spain meant a separation from their loved ones and a stage filled with uncertainty: "My dad was always by my side. We lived through many tough things. Sometimes I would lock myself in my room to cry alone. Or he would, without me seeing it. We pretended we were both okay, but we were not".
Jorge Messi also recalled those years and focused on the strength that allowed them to continue despite the difficulties.
"Despite this, despite having spent so much time with the family separated, from our country, from our roots, despite spending so much time alone and facing the bad things that happened to us, but despite that, we held our heads high and we did well", he described.
The pride of Jorge Messi for Lionel's career
In his message, Jorge especially highlighted his son's will and effort, as well as the constant support of the entire family: "We know very well that your effort, your will, your grit, helped make this a reality. It goes without saying that both I and your family adore you, like your siblings, and that we defend with all our might the personality you have, because we know that despite the bad things that have happened to you, you have always faced life with a smile and helped us to be stronger to continue with this".
At that time, Jorge Messi was mainly known for supporting and managing his son's professional career. However, that message allowed for a much more intimate dimension of their relationship and the path they traveled together to be revealed.
The message ended with a phrase full of affection that summarized a father's feelings towards his son: "What can I say? That we love you, that we adore you, and I hope you never change".
