The Argentine football community has expressed its condolences to Lionel Messi after reports that his father, Jorge Messi, has died at the age of 68 following an illness in the city of Rosario.
Reports from Argentine media, including Infobae and Ole, announced the news on Saturday. However, Messi’s family had not issued an official statement confirming Jorge Messi’s death at the time of publication.
Newell’s Old Boys, Rosario Central and South American football’s governing body CONMEBOL were among those to publish messages of sympathy for Messi and his family.
CONMEBOL wrote on its official account: “CONMEBOL deeply regrets the death of Jorge Messi, father of Argentine footballer Lionel Messi.”
The confederation added: “We accompany Lionel and his family, friends and loved ones with respect and affection in this moment of profound grief. May he rest in peace.”
Newell’s Old Boys also paid tribute to Jorge Messi, highlighting both his longstanding support for the Rosario club and his influence on his son’s career.
In a statement, the club said: “Newell’s Old Boys bids farewell with deep sadness and regret to Jorge Messi, who died at the age of 68 in the city of Rosario.”
The club described him as “a well-known Newell’s supporter, businessman and father of the captain of the Argentine national team, Lionel Andres Messi”.
Newell’s said Jorge had played a crucial role, alongside his wife Celia Cuccittini, in supporting Messi from the earliest stages of his development through to his emergence as one of the leading figures in world football.
“Jorge was the pillar and the person who supported Lionel’s career, with vision, discipline and affection, alongside his wife Celia Cuccittini,” the club said.
It added: “His constant presence and leadership behind the scenes were essential in supporting every step Lionel took, from his beginnings at Malvinas to reaching the summit of glory in world football.”
Newell’s also thanked Jorge for helping his son develop a connection with the club’s colours, saying: “Thank you for teaching him to love these colours.”
The statement offered condolences to Celia, Lionel, his siblings Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol, and all members of the family and those close to them. It ended with the words: “Farewell forever, Leproso.”
Rosario Central also expressed its “deep sadness” at the reported death of Jorge Messi, sending its respect and condolences to Lionel, his family and everyone close to him, while wishing the deceased rest and peace.
The official English-language account of Ligue 1 joined the tributes, saying it stood with Messi, his family and loved ones and offering its condolences after the reported death of the Argentina star’s father.
Jorge Messi’s importance to his son extended beyond his role as a parent. He was one of the main figures supporting Lionel’s football career and managed his affairs for long periods, representing him in several important negotiations during his professional life.
He remained alongside Messi from the player’s early years, before the boy from Rosario developed into one of the greatest footballers in history and helped Argentina win the 2022 World Cup.
Jorge had spoken on several occasions about his son’s talent, praising his exceptional ability with the ball while saying he had not expected Lionel to reach such an extraordinary global level when his career was beginning.