Real Madrid has offered its condolences to Lionel Messi following the death of the Inter Miami captain’s father, Jorge Messi, who died on Saturday.
The Spanish club published an official statement on its website expressing its sorrow at Jorge Messi’s passing and sending its sympathies to the former Barcelona forward and his family.
“Real Madrid, its president and its board of directors deeply regret the death of Jorge Messi, father of Lionel Messi,” the statement said.
“Our club would like to express its deepest condolences to Lionel Messi, his family and all his loved ones,” it added.
Real Madrid released its message before Barcelona issued a similar statement mourning the death of Messi’s father.
Jorge Messi was reported by Argentine newspaper Ole to have died at the age of 68 after a long battle with a serious illness. His health had been poor for an extended period, and he had continued to deal with the illness during and after the World Cup.
The report said Lionel Messi travelled urgently to Rosario after the final against Spain so he could spend time with his father. Messi had not seen Jorge for two months before making the trip.
The Argentina captain’s emotional reaction after scoring his first goal against Algeria was described as the first public indication of the difficult health situation affecting his father. During the tournament itself, Messi had also considered travelling to see him.
Jorge Messi had spent time in hospital and had also recovered at his home in Rosario, where he was regularly accompanied by his wife, Celia.
Jorge played a significant role in Lionel Messi’s career from its earliest stages. The family left Rosario when Messi was a child so he could join Barcelona’s academy, La Masia, where he developed into one of the most successful footballers in history.
Messi remained closely connected to his family and Rosario throughout his career, despite spending much of his professional life in Europe and later moving to the United States. He joined Inter Miami after leaving Paris St-Germain and continues to lead the Major League Soccer club.
The tributes from Real Madrid and Barcelona underline the respect for Messi beyond the rivalry between the two Spanish clubs. Real Madrid and Barcelona have been among the principal rivals of Messi’s career, particularly during his long spell at Barcelona, but both clubs have now expressed their sympathy to him and his family after Jorge Messi’s death.
The statements were issued on Saturday, following the reports of Jorge Messi’s death and before further details about the funeral arrangements were announced.
