'Always by my side': Argentina mourns death of Jorge Messi

Jorge Messi, the father of football icon Lionel Messi, has passed away at the age of 68 in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina. His death followed a period of treatment for an unspecified illness in recent months.

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the pillar and the person who, with vision, rigour and affection, supported the career of the best player of all time, alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini

Club Atlético Newell's Old Boys, where Jorge Messi had played in his youth and where Lionel Messi began his career, announced his passing on social media. The club described him as "the pillar and the person who, with vision, rigour and affection, supported the career of the best player of all time, alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini."

The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) also extended its condolences, expressing "respect and affection for Lionel." The Messi family had previously addressed media speculation about Jorge's health, issuing a statement that emphasized the need for privacy and expressed "discomfort at the lack of sensitivity, respect and scruples with which some people have treated a strictly private and family matter."

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with respect and affection for Lionel

Jorge Messi, a chemical technician and former steelworker, was instrumental in managing his son's burgeoning career. He served as Lionel's agent, handling his business affairs and accompanying a young Lionel to Barcelona for a trial that led to his entry into La Masia, the club's famed youth academy. Lionel Messi went on to achieve global superstardom, winning eight Ballon d'Or awards and leading Argentina to the 2022 World Cup title.

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A person's health and the peace of mind of their loved ones should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media interest. We express discomfort at the lack of sensitivity, respect and scruples with which some people have treated a strictly private and family matter.

In a 2007 interview, Lionel Messi spoke about his father's constant presence and support during their challenging early days in Barcelona. "My dad was always by my side," he said. "Sometimes I would lock myself in my room to cry when we arrived in Barcelona, or my dad would do the same without me seeing him, or thinking I didn't see him."

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My dad was always by my side. Sometimes I would lock myself in my room to cry when we arrived in Barcelona, or my dad would do the same without me seeing him, or thinking I didn't see him. We prete