REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian
In news that has the football world mourning, the father of Lionel Messi, Jorge, has died aged 68. He passed away on Friday night at a medical clinic in the Argentine city of Rosario after a long illness.
As per Reuters, the Messi family said that Jorge spent his final months alternating between a medical centre in Rosario and his home, accompanied by his wife Celia and his children Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol. It's also said that Lionel spent time with his father after the World Cup before returning to the US to resume the season with Inter Miami.
During the World Cup, Messi was notably emotional after scoring a hat-trick vs Algeria. He later explained that his tears were due to "something unrelated to football" after going through "a few difficult, complicated days." His family then issued a statement, explaining Jorge's ill health.
Messi has previously spoken about how important his father was as an influence on his career.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi
Argentina's Lionel Messi via REUTERS/Lee Smith
Messi's boyhood team Newell’s Old Boys were among the first to confirm the sad news. The club said in a statement: “Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys bids farewell with deep sorrow and grief to Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 in the city of Rosario.
“Recognized leproso fan, businessman, and father of the Argentine national team captain, Lionel Andrés Messi.
“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.
“Thank you for teaching him to love these colours. 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."
Adding to this, in a post on social media, the governing body of South American football, CONMEBOL shared a statement, which read: "CONMEBOL deeply regrets the passing of Jorge Messi, father of Argentine footballer Lionel Messi.
"We accompany Lionel, his family, friends, and loved ones with respect and affection in this moment of profound grief. May he rest in peace."
Messi Has Been Clear About His Father's Influence
Lionel Messi Argentina 2014 World Cup final
Jorge was key to Messi getting the famous hormone treatment he needed as a youngster. He also travelled and stayed in Spain with his son when Barcelona first approached the then-13-year-old.
Messi has often spoken about how important his father was in his life. As quoted by the Sun, he once recalled:
Separately, Messi also spoke to DirecTV Sports in 2022, via CP24, explaining how his father influenced his career, pushing him to reach a higher level: “My father helped me enormously. He is very critical of me. That made me always want to push myself further.”
Adding to this, Reuters quoted Messi as previously saying: "I always needed my dad's approval, ever since I was a kid. After every match, I'd ask him what he thought of how I played."
Jorge was undoubtedly vital in helping form arguably the greatest footballer of all time.