Jorge Messi, father and agent of renowned soccer player Lionel Messi, has passed away at the age of 68. His death was confirmed by CONMEBOL, the South American football federation, the Argentina National Football Team, and the Messi family.
“CONMEBOL deeply regrets the passing of Jorge Messi, father of Argentine footballer Lionel Messi,” the federation stated on social media. “We accompany Lionel, his family, friends, and loved ones with respect and affection in this moment of profound grief. May he rest in peace.”
The Argentina National Football Team expressed their condolences with a short social media post, stating, “Sending our deepest strength to Leo Messi and his family. We’re with you during this difficult time and sending you our warmest embrace.”
Lionel Messi recently led Argentina to a second-place finish in the World Cup following their championship win in 2022. Jorge Messi’s support for his son’s career was evident on and off the field.
“Jorge was the pillar of strength and the person who, along with his wife, Celia Cuccittini, supported the career of the greatest player of all time with vision, rigor, and affection,” Newell’s Old Boys, Lionel Messi’s first Argentine club, stated. “His constant support and leadership were crucial in Lionel’s journey from his beginnings to world football glory.”
Jorge Messi played an instrumental role in Lionel’s career, taking him to Barcelona for his first tryout with the club in 2000 and subsequently moving to Spain with him. Lionel debuted with Barcelona at the young age of 16, and Jorge continued as his agent through moves to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.
In the World Cup match against Algeria, Lionel Messi appeared emotional after scoring a hat trick. At a press conference, he attributed his tears to “something unrelated to football,” without further explanation. The Messi family later addressed Jorge’s health, mentioning he was “going through a health-related situation” bound to privacy, adding he was “under medical care, recovering and evolving favorably.” They criticized the “rumors and speculations” surrounding Jorge Messi’s health information as it was a private matter.
Lionel Messi’s team, Inter Miami, was prepared to face Monterrey in the Leagues Cup shortly after the announcement of his father’s passing. The decision on whether he would participate remained uncertain.
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