Lionel Messi is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in football. He has played for prominent European clubs throughout his illustrious career. His father, Jeorge Messi, has played a significant role in his career, serving as both a mentor and his manager since Messi’s move to La Masia at the age of 13.
Jorge Messi represents his son as his agent. He has played a pivotal role in Lionel Messi’s club transfer to Inter Miami. However, FIFA’s new regulations for football agents have put his role at risk, potentially requiring Messi to consider changing his agent.
Messi faces agent dilemma
Jorge Messi, the father of Lionel Messi, handles all the negotiation aspects as his son’s agent. He has played a key role throughout Lionel’s career, managing club-to-club transfers and contract renewals, including the most recent one with the MLS club, Inter Miami.
This summer, the seven-time Ballon Dor winner joined David Beckham’s co-owned Florida Miami-based side Inter Miami from the French giants Paris Saint Germain with his agent and father being a central figure in landing the deal.
Jorge Messi negotiated the terms with the MLS club after a secret hotel visit, eventually agreeing on a two-season deal as a free agent despite interest from Saudi Pro League clubs, where the World Cup winner has been exceptional for his side since his debut.
Messi’s season with Inter Miami’s league campaign is nearing its end with no hopes of making it through to the next round of playoffs. His move away from MLS was also rumored to be on a short-term loan but has seemingly been ruled out.
The Argentine might be obligated to change his representing agent due to new rules and regulations, forcing him to replace his agent Jorge Messi. According to FIFA, player agents and representatives need to hold a permitted license in order to carry out their professional practices.
Therefore, Jorge Messi is required to obtain a license to continue working with his son, Lionel Messi, in the future. He cannot be involved in negotiating terms and contracts directly or indirectly under the new regulations.
Jorge Messi played pivotal role in shaping Lionel Messi’s career
Jorge Messi, 56 has been an instrumental guide in Lionel Messi’s career ever since his arrival in Spain to join La Masia academy. Later, Messi left the club as their greatest player in history, making a sensational switch to PSG in 2021. His most recent endeavor has been with MLS, guided by his father who serves as his agent.
In football, it’s quite common for players’ family members to represent them professionally as their agents and managers. However, in Messi’s case, his father assumed the role of agent under unique circumstances in the early 2000s, playing a pivotal role in shaping Lionel Messi’s career and guiding him to make crucial decisions in his career.
Will Lionel Messi switch to a new agent in the coming days? Share your thoughts with us below.