Messages of Support Pour in for Messi After His Father's Death
Jorge Messi, father of the Argentine football star, passed away at 68 in Rosario. Clubs and CONMEBOL have sent heartfelt condolences, highlighting his crucial role in his son's rise.
Jorge Messi, father of the Argentine football star, passed away at 68 in Rosario. Clubs and CONMEBOL have sent heartfelt condolences, highlighting his crucial role in his son's rise.
Argentine football is in mourning following the news of the death of Jorge Messi, father of national team captain Lionel Messi. He passed away on Saturday at the age of 68 in his native Rosario, after a battle with illness. The news was first reported by Argentine media outlets Infobae and Olé, and was soon followed by an outpouring of reactions from the football world.
The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) issued a statement via its official account. "CONMEBOL deeply regrets the death of Jorge Messi, father of Argentine footballer Lionel Messi," the statement read. They added a personal message of support: "We stand by Lionel, his family, his friends, and his loved ones with respect and affection in this profound moment of grief. May he rest in peace."
A particularly emotional message came from Newell's Old Boys, the club Jorge Messi passionately supported and where Lionel took his first footballing steps. The club posted: "Newell's Old Boys bids farewell, with deep sorrow and regret, to Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 in the city of Rosario." They described him as "a well-known Newell's fan, entrepreneur, and father of the Argentine national team captain, Lionel Andrés Messi."
The club highlighted his invaluable role in his son's career. "Jorge was a pillar and the person who, with vision, rigor, and affection, supported Lionel's career, together with his wife, Celia Cuccittini. His constant presence and his behind-the-scenes guidance were essential in supporting every step Lionel took, from his beginnings in Malvinas to reaching the pinnacle of glory in world football." They concluded the message with: "Thank you for teaching him to love these colors. Farewell forever, leper."
Condolences were extended to his mother Celia, Lionel, and his brothers Rodrigo and Matías, as well as his sister María Sol.
Rosario Central also expressed deep sorrow over the death of Jorge Messi, sending messages of respect and sympathy to Lionel and the entire family. The official account of the French league also commented on the sad news, expressing solidarity with the Messi family and sincere condolences.
Jorge Messi was much more than the father of a global football icon. For years, he took on the responsibility of managing Lionel's affairs and representing him in numerous important negotiations throughout his professional career. From the earliest days, he was by his son's side, long before the talent of the boy from Rosario turned into one of the greatest careers in football history. That journey culminated in winning the World Cup with Argentina in 2022, a crown that completed the father-son journey together.
