Condolences sent to Lionel Messi after reports of father Jorge’s death

Reports of the death of Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, have prompted messages of condolence from across Argentine football, although the Messi family has not yet officially confirmed the news.

Jorge Messi, who was 68, reportedly died in Rosario after a period of illness. Argentine media outlets, including Infobae and Ole, published reports of his death on Saturday.

Newell’s Old Boys, the club supported by Jorge Messi, and Rosario Central have both expressed their condolences, while South American football’s governing body CONMEBOL also sent a message of support to the Argentina captain and his family.

“CONMEBOL deeply regrets the death of Jorge Messi, father of Argentine footballer Lionel Messi,” the organisation said in a statement posted on its official account.

“We accompany Lionel, his family, friends and loved ones with respect and affection in this profound moment of grief. May he rest in peace.”

Newell’s Old Boys paid tribute to Jorge Messi by highlighting both his close relationship with the club and the influence he had on his son’s career.

“Newell’s Old Boys says goodbye with deep sadness and regret to Jorge Messi, who died at the age of 68 in the city of Rosario,” the club said.

It described Jorge as “a well-known Newell’s supporter, businessman and father of Argentina captain Lionel Andres Messi”.

The club also praised the role Jorge played alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini, in helping guide their son from his earliest days in football to the top of the sport.

“Jorge was the pillar and the person who, with vision, discipline and affection, supported Lionel’s career, alongside his wife Celia Cuccittini,” Newell’s said.

“His constant presence and leadership behind the scenes were essential in supporting every step Lionel took, from his beginnings at Malvinas to reaching the pinnacle of glory in world football.”

Newell’s added an emotional message to its former young supporter: “Thank you for teaching him to love these colours.”

The club extended its condolences to Celia, Lionel, his siblings Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol, as well as the rest of the family and those close to them.

It concluded its tribute with the words: “Goodbye forever, Leproso.”

Rosario Central also expressed its “deep sadness” at Jorge Messi’s death, offering its respect and sympathy to Lionel Messi, his family and everyone close to him, while wishing the deceased rest and peace.

The official English-language account of France’s Ligue 1 also mourned the reported death, saying it stood with Messi, his family and loved ones and offering its sincere condolences following the death of the Argentina star’s 68-year-old father.

Jorge Messi’s importance to his son extended beyond his role as a parent. He was one of the principal figures supporting Lionel’s football career and managed his business affairs for long periods, representing him in several significant negotiations during his professional life.

He was alongside Messi from the player’s earliest 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 admitting that, in Lionel’s early years, he had not expected him to reach such a global level.

No official statement confirming Jorge Messi’s death had been issued by the Messi family at the time of publication.