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Football world bids farewell to Jorge Messi, father of Lionel Messi
🇵🇾 Paraguay /Sports

Football world bids farewell to Jorge Messi, father of Lionel Messi

From ABC Color · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • Jorge Messi, the father of Argentinian football star Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 in Rosario, Argentina.
  • The Argentinian Football Association (AFA) announced a minute of silence and black armbands for all professional matches in his honor.
  • Messi was credited with supporting his son's career alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini, and was remembered for prioritizing family over sport.

The world of football is mourning the loss of Jorge Messi, father of Argentinian superstar Lionel Messi, who passed away at 68 in Rosario, Santa Fe province. His death, attributed to complications from a long illness, occurred early Saturday morning.

In this moment of immense sadness, the president Claudio Tapia, the members of the Executive Committee and the entire Argentine football family accompany Lionel, his brothers, family and loved ones, sending them their most sincere condolences and all their affection.

— Argentinian Football Association (AFA)Expressing condolences following the death of Jorge Messi.

The Argentinian Football Association (AFA) expressed its deep sorrow, announcing a minute of silence to be observed before all professional matches. Players, referees, and coaching staff will wear black armbands as a tribute to Jorge Messi. "In this moment of immense sadness, the president Claudio Tapia, the members of the Executive Committee and the entire Argentine football family accompany Lionel, his brothers, family and loved ones, sending them their most sincere condolences and all their affection," the AFA stated.

He was the support and the person who bolstered with vision, rigor and affection the career of the best player of all time alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini.

— Newell's Old BoysRemembering Jorge Messi's role in his son's career.

Newell's Old Boys, the Rosario club where Lionel Messi began his career, also shared a heartfelt message. The club acknowledged Jorge Messi's crucial role in nurturing his son's talent, stating, "He was the support and the person who bolstered with vision, rigor and affection the career of the best player of all time alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini." The club added, "Thank you for teaching him to love these colors," referencing their shared passion for the team.

Thank you for teaching him to love these colors.

— Newell's Old BoysA message to Jorge Messi from the club where Lionel Messi started his career.

Former Barcelona president Joan Gaspart remembered Jorge Messi as a "friend," emphasizing his profound impact on Lionel's life and career. "I cannot conceive of 'Leo' Messi without his father, and therefore it is a significant loss," Gaspart said in an interview. He added that Jorge Messi consistently placed "family thought above sporting thought." The Royal Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) also extended condolences, joining the global football community in offering sympathy to Lionel and his family during this difficult time.

I cannot conceive of 'Leo' Messi without his father, and therefore it is a significant loss.

— Joan GaspartFormer Barcelona president reflecting on Jorge Messi's importance to Lionel Messi.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by ABC Color in Spanish. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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