Jorge Messi, the father of Argentine-born footballer and eight-time winner of Ballon d’Or, Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68.
Numerous media outlets in Argentina and Spain confirmed the development on Saturday, saying he had been battling health problems for some time before eventually passing away.
The patriarch of the Messi family reportedly passed away in his hometown of Rosario in Argentina on Friday night, at around 22.00 local time.
At of the time of filing this report, the Messi family had not released an official statement regarding the matter.
However, Lionel Messi’s first club Newell’s Boys, confirmed the passing on social media.
“With deep sorrow and grief, Newell’s Old Boys bids farewell to Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 in the city of Rosario,” the club wrote on X, describing the deceased as a “recognised fan” of their club.
“Jorge was the pillar and the person who supported with vision, rigor, and affection the career of the greatest player of all time alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini.
“His constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership were essential in backing every step of Lionel, from his beginnings at Malvinas to the pinnacle of world football glory,” Newell’s added.
“Thank you for teaching him to love these colors. The Board of Directors, members, athletes, and the entire leprosa family embrace with affection Celia, Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol, and all their loved ones and close ones in this difficult moment. Farewell forever, leproso,” the correspondence finished.
Jorge Messi’s long battle of illness was the subject of numerous reports during the World Cup where Argentina reached the final losing to Spain 1-0.
During the tournament, Messi was asked about his tearful displays of emotion by former Argentina teammate Juan Pablo Sorin, who is now a pundit in retirement.
“Tears for the family, for your family, and for this other family that is the National Team, right?” Sorin asked Messi.
“Yes, yes… The truth is that for the family more than anything. Because, well, it’s always there, it’s always there. Now we are in a difficult moment. So many things came together, but obviously also because of them – a spectacular group that supports me – it makes me happy,” Messi answered.
