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Lionel Messi is feeling very sad as the father of Jorge Messi, who died at 68, is now gone from this earthly life.
On August 7, the evening of Saturday, Jorge Messi breathed his last following a prolonged illness. He died at his local medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina, as reported by Reuters.
His family confirmed his death. The exact nature of his illness was not publicly disclosed.
Jorge Messi’s Family Confirmed His Health Battle
Before his death, the Messi family shared limited information about Jorge Messi’s health.
On June 18, the family said Jorge Messi was receiving treatment and recovering favorably. They also criticized media reports and speculation about his private medical situation.
“Jorge Messi, the father of Lionel, is experiencing some health issues at the moment,” was the family’s comment in the statement as reported by the media.
They requested the press to be more considerate and respectful during the period they had to endure this loss.
Jorge Messi kept going to treatment for a couple of weeks. His health was kept a secret by his family, except when word of his demise broke.
Lionel Messi Admits That He Went Through a Tough Time
Jorge Messi’s death was quickly followed by a statement from Lionel Messi, in which he expressed his difficulties in preparing for the 2026 FIFA World Cup at a tough stage.
Lionel, on June 16, scored three goals, which helped Argentina to crush Algeria with a 3-0 victory. After the game, tears were his first reaction as he praised the help from his fellow players and members of the Argentine delegation.
“It was a matter unrelated to sports. I went through some difficult, trying days,” Lionel Messi said after the match.
Messi didn’t forget to thank his team for being there with him during that really tough period.
That same time was also very difficult for his father, whose situation became known through various articles.
Lionel Messi Emotional Reactions Linked to Father’s Health
Jorge Messi was there, supporting and shaping Lionel Messi’s way to the very first stages of becoming a footballer. Jorge was also always very supportive of Messi as he was going around the world to get medical treatment for the deficiency of growth hormones and later helped him to settle in Spain.
Even after Lionel Messi moved to Barcelona as just an 11-year-old, Jorge kept his finger on the pulse of everything that was going on in his son’s career.
Jorge also worked as Messi’s long-time representative and managed his business and contracts.
Reuters once described it as Jorge being the most influential figure for not only Lionel Messi’s life but career.
Jorge Messi’s passing is the most heartbreaking thing for his nearest ones. His spouse is Celia Cuccittini, and altogether, the family has four children: Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias, and Maria Sol. Besides that, they also have grandkids who are part of the family.
Newell’s Old Boys Pay Tribute to Jorge Messi
Newell’s Old Boys, where Lionel Messi spent part of his youth career, paid tribute to Jorge following his death.
The club recognized Jorge Messi’s important role in supporting Lionel and helping guide his career from his early years in Rosario.
Several other significant football organizations also shared their sympathies. Real Madrid and FC Barcelona, as well as the Argentine Football Association and other clubs and football associations, gave a eulogy to Jorge after they found out he had passed away.
In addition to that, the Argentine Football Association also stated that they intend to pay their respects to Jorge Messi by having a minute of silence and black armbands in all the matches held in the country.
Lionel Messi Comes Back to Rosario to Grieve His Dad
After the sad news of his father’s death, Lionel Messi went back to Rosario so that he could be with his family and also participate in a private farewell gathering.
The reason the family was choosing to have a private ceremony was not known, and they had also decided to not be the ones doing the wake publicly.
Jorge Messi’s death was a major loss to Lionel, who had often mentioned his father’s influence in his life as well as his football career.
