Messi’s father dies at 68 as Barca, Argentina, fans pay tributes
The family of Lionel Messi has been thrown into mourning after his father, Jorge Messi, died at the age of 68 on Friday following a long-term illness.
It would be recalled that the family confirmed that he was going through “a health situation” after reports emerged during the World Cup that he passed on.
According to reports, Jorge died at about 10 pm on Friday at a sanatorium in Rosario, Argentina, following a prolonged illness.
Jorge is survived by his wife, Celia, and his four children: Lionel and his two older brothers, Rodrigo and Matías, and Lionel’s younger sister, María Sol.
Tributes have continued to pour in for Jorge Messi, who served as Lionel Messi’s agent before his demise.
Messi’s boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys paid tribute to Jorge in a post on social media on Saturday.
The statement read: “Newell’s Old Boys mourn with profound pain and sorrow the passing of Jorge Messi.
“He was a renowned [Newell’s] supporter, businessman and the father of the captain of the Argentina national team, Lionel Messi.
“Jorge was the support and the person who, together with his wife, Celia, strengthened the career of the greatest player of all time with vision, rigour and affection.
“His constant support and behind-the-scenes leadership were fundamental in supporting every step of Lionel’s journey.”
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Similarly, Barcelona also extended their condolences to the Messi family with a statement on Saturday.
The statement read: “On behalf of the entire Barça family, extend their condolences to the Messi family.”
It added: “FC Barcelona thanks Jorge Messi for his commitment to our club, for entrusting us with the beginnings and the most glorious years of his son Leo’s football career. May he rest in peace.”
A statement from Real Madrid read: “Our club wishes to express its condolences to Leo, his family, and all his loved ones. May he rest in peace.”
The Argentine FA said in a statement. “From here, we stand in solidarity with the entire family during this difficult time and send the most heartfelt, warm, and affectionate embrace. Strength to you all,”
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) sent their “condolences” to the Messi family.
“On behalf of Spanish football, we wish to convey all our love and affection to Lionel and his loved ones during this time of deep sorrow,” the RFEF said in a statement.
Cristiano Ronaldo also took to Instagram to commiserate with Lionel Messi over the loss of his father.
Jorge was a former metal factory worker, He was Messi’s first coach in Argentina and his sole companion when he first moved to Barcelona as a child before later becoming his agent.
In 2000, Jorge left behind a stable job in Argentina, his wife and three other children to move to Spain with his 13-year-old son.
In a related development, Football fans also took to social media to pay tributes to Jorge Messi.
Elliots Reacts wrote on X: “Rest in peace, Jorge Messi. The man who sacrificed everything to get his son to Barcelona, who guided one of the greatest careers in football history from a small town in Rosario. Sending strength to Leo and the family.”
The Ballon d’Or X account also sent their condolences to Lionel Messi and his family: “The Ballon d’Or extends its heartfelt condolences to Lionel Messi and his family following the passing of his father, Jorge Messi. Rest in peace.”
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Damilare Samuel wrote: “RIP Jorge Messi.
You brought Leo to this world who made the beautiful game even more beautiful.
Thanks for everything. More strength to you Leo, take care. God Bless you.”
Nazzy wrote on X: “A beautiful reminder that legends are often captured in their earliest moments by people whose stories we barely know. ❤️🕊️ If Jorge Messi helped preserve those memories, his contribution will always be part of football history.”
Thunder Gallant wrote on X: “May God comfort Messi and his family during this painful moment. No matter how great a person becomes, losing a parent leaves a deep void. May his father’s legacy live on through the family and the life he helped shape.”
Bruno Football wrote: “My deepest condolences to Lionel Messi and the entire Messi family during this incredibly difficult time. May Jorge Messi rest in peace, and may God give the family strength and comfort during this painful moment.”
