Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge, has sadly passed away at the age of 68, a statement has confirmed.
Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, has sadly passed away at the age of 68 in his hometown of Rosario. Jorge was a big part of Lionel’s life and career, acting as his agent from the early days at his first club, Newell’s Old Boys.
It was known that Jorge had been seriously ill, and Lionel had shared that his family was going through a tough time during the World Cup. Journalist Fabrizio Romano confirmed Jorge’s passing on Instagram, and Newell’s Old Boys released a heartfelt tribute.
Their statement said: “Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys says goodbye with great sadness to Jorge Messi, who passed away at 68 in Rosario. A devoted fan, businessman, and father of our national captain, Lionel Andrés Messi. Jorge was the strong support behind the greatest player of all time, along with his wife, Celia Cuccittini. His love and guidance helped Lionel at every step, from his early days at Malvinas to football stardom. Thank you for teaching him to love our colors. Our entire club family sends love to Celia, Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías, María Sol, and all their loved ones during this hard time. Farewell, leproso.”
The Sun reported that Jorge passed away around 10 pm on Friday at a clinic in Rosario. CONMEBOL, South America’s football body, also shared their condolences online, saying, “We deeply regret Jorge Messi’s passing. We stand with Lionel, his family, and loved ones in this moment of sorrow. May he rest in peace.”
According to Diario Ole, Jorge’s health had been worsening for a while, and Lionel thought about visiting him during the World Cup. After Argentina’s loss to Spain in the final, Messi went back to Rosario to be with his dad before returning to play for Inter Miami in the MLS.
More updates to come…