Lionel Messi’s Father, Jorge Messi, Dies at 68

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Lionel Messi’s Father, Jorge Messi, Dies at 68

Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, has died at the age of 68, two months after his family revealed that he had been hospitalised while dealing with an ongoing health condition.

Jorge reportedly died at a hospital in Rosario, Argentina, close to the family home, at about 10 p.m. local time on Friday, August 7. Argentine media first reported his death before it was subsequently confirmed by Newell’s Old Boys, the club where Messi began his football career.

The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Newell’s Old Boys Pays Tribute

Newell’s Old Boys described Jorge as a devoted supporter of the club and highlighted his important role in his son’s development from his early years at the Malvinas academy to becoming one of the most celebrated footballers in history.

The club extended its condolences to Messi, his mother Celia Cuccittini, his siblings Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol, and the wider family.

Jorge was a central figure throughout Messi’s professional career. He served as his agent and business manager, helping oversee his son’s professional affairs and commercial interests.

Jorge Messi’s Health Had Been a Concern

Reports about Jorge’s health emerged earlier this year after he reportedly suffered a medical episode at his home in January and was subsequently admitted to hospital.

Messi later spoke publicly about a difficult period affecting his family after appearing emotional following Argentina’s World Cup match against Algeria.

After scoring a hat-trick in the match, Messi was asked about his emotions and indicated that the situation was unrelated to football and that his family had been going through a difficult period.

Argentine journalist Eduardo Feinmann subsequently reported that Jorge had been experiencing health problems for several months.

Football Community Mourns Jorge Messi

Tributes have also come from the wider football community following Jorge Messi’s death.

South American football governing body CONMEBOL expressed its condolences to Lionel Messi and his family, describing the death as a moment of profound grief.

Jorge’s influence on Messi’s career extended from his son’s childhood in Rosario through his development into a global football star. His death marks a significant personal loss for the Argentina captain and his family.