Lionel Messi's father Jorge dies aged 68 after illness
Jorge Messi, father and long-time guiding figure of footballer Lionel Messi, has died aged 68 after an illness, with tributes paid by his son's clubs and Argentina's football federation.
Jorge Messi, father of Inter Miami forward and eight-time Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi, has died aged 68 following an illness.
Jorge was a supporter of Argentine club Newell's Old Boys, which Lionel joined at age seven. In February 2001, after 13-year-old Lionel was signed by Barcelona, the family moved to Spain. While Messi's mother and three siblings soon returned to their hometown of Rosario, Jorge stayed behind in Barcelona with his son.
Tributes from clubs and federation
Newell's Old Boys said on social media that Jorge, alongside his wife Celia Cuccittini, had been the pillar supporting the career of the greatest player of all time with vision and dedication, highlighting his constant presence and behind-the-scenes leadership from Lionel's early days at the Malvinas youth academy through to the peak of world football. The club offered condolences to Celia, Lionel and the rest of the family.
Barcelona thanked Jorge for his loyalty to the club and for trusting it with the start and most glorious years of his son Leo's career. Argentina's football association also expressed deep sorrow, offering solidarity to the family during this difficult time.
The death comes months after an Argentine television presenter falsely reported during this summer's World Cup that Jorge Messi had died during Argentina's opening match. The presenter later resigned, while the Messi family at the time criticised the lack of sensitivity and discretion shown toward what they described as a strictly private family matter.
