FC Barcelona Legend Lionel Messi’s Father Jorge Dies Aged 68
FC Barcelona legend Lionel Messi is reportedly mourning the loss of his father, Jorge Messi, who has died at the age of 68 in Rosario according to numerous outlets in Argentina and Spain. Jorge's health had been a concern during the recent World Cup, where Lionel Messi's emotional displays were noted, though the family later stated he was "recovering favorably." Jorge Messi is a monumental figure in his son's career, crucially moving him to Europe when Argentine clubs wouldn't finance his growth treatment. This bold decision led to the famous napkin contract with FC Barcelona, setting the stage for Lionel to become the club's all-time leading scorer and arguably the sport's greatest player.
FC Barcelona legend Lionel Messi’s father Jorge Messi has died at the age of 68 according to numerous outlets in Argentina and Spain, including Infobae and El Espanol.
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 the time of publishing, the Messi family hadn’t released an official statement regarding the matter.
Lionel Messi’s first club Newell’s Boys has on social media, however, with leading Argentine publications such as La Nacion and Ole subsequently reporting on the passing.
“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,” Newell’s wrote on Twitter, of a “recognized” 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.
Days after this exchange, the Messis released a statement and clarified that Jorge had been "under medical monitoring, recovering and evolving favorably within the condition he presents."
Ultimately, however, according to reports, Jorge has passed away leaving behind - as Newell’s said - his wife Celia, sons Lionel, Rodrigo, and Matias, daughter Maria Sol, and a number of grandchildren.
Fundemental in his son’s rise to become arguably the greatest player of all time, Jorge Messi is among the most important figures in FC Barcelona history.
His son was already in Newell’s Old Boys academy at the turn of the century. Yet it was Jorge that took the brave step to Europe when neither that club nor River Plate wanted to pay for Lionel’s necessary growth treatment.
An agreement to sign for Barça was famously penned on a napkin with then sporting director Carles Rexach on December 14, 2000, at the Pompeia Tennis Club.
The rest is history. Lionel then joined La Masia, and progressed to become FC Barcelona’s greatest player of all time - if not that in the sport overall - through a record 672 goals in 778 appearances with Jorge as his agent.