LAGOS AUGUST 8TH (NEWSRANGERS)-Jorge Messi, the father of soccer great Lionel Messi, died Friday night at a clinic in Rosario, Argentina after a long battle with an illness, according to multiple Argentine and Spanish outlets.
He was 68.
Jorge Messi’s battle with illness became a story during the World Cup that saw his son’s Argentina squad lose 1-0 to Spain in the final.
A cause of death was not immediately given.
Lionel Messi told former Argentina teammate Juan Pablo Sorin during an interview in June that his tearful displays of emotion during the tournament were about a family situation.
“The truth is that for the family more than anything,” Lionel Messi said. “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.”
A day later, the family released a statement revealing Jorge Messi was ill, was “under medical monitoring,” and his recovery was “evolving favorably” at the time after report be an Argentine TV host that he had died.
Newell’s Old Boys, Messi’s first club, paid tribute to Jorge in a statement on Saturday.
“Newell’s Old Boys mourn with profound pain and sorrow the passing of Jorge Messi,” the club said. He was a renowned [Newell’s] supporter, businessman and the father of the captain of the Argentina national team, Lionel Messi. Jorge was the support and the person who, together with his wife, Celia, strengthened the career of the greatest player of all time with vision, rigour and affection. His constant support and behind-the-scenes leadership were fundamental in supporting every step of Lionel’s journey.”
Jorge Messi, a steelworker, played a key role in influencing the shape of his son’s early career and moving 2000 when his son joined Barcelona’s academy, and was a key confidant throughout his life.
Jorge Messi is survived by wife Cecila, sons Lionel, Rodrigo, and Matias, daughter Maria Sol, and numerous grandchildren.
New Post Sports
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