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From FC Barcelona to Newell's: Football bids farewell to Lionel Messi's father

From El Comercio · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Outcome reported
  • Jorge Messi, father of football superstar Lionel Messi, has passed away at age 68 in Rosario after a long illness.
  • Football clubs, federations, and officials worldwide have sent messages of condolence.
  • The Argentine Football Association (AFA) and Newell's Old Boys, where Lionel Messi began his career, paid emotional tributes to Jorge's role in his son's life and career.

The world of football is mourning the loss of Jorge Messi, the father of global icon Lionel Messi, who passed away early Saturday morning in Rosario at the age of 68. His death followed a prolonged illness, leaving a void in the life of the celebrated Argentine player and his family.

Today we have to say goodbye to a man who, behind one of the greatest stories in world football, played a fundamental role.

— Claudio TapiaThe AFA President's tribute to Jorge Messi's significance in his son's career.

A wave of condolences has since flooded in from across the footballing spectrum. The FC Barcelona, where Jorge Messi accompanied his son during his formative European years, and Newell's Old Boys, the club where Lionel's dream began, have both issued statements remembering Jorge's pivotal role in his son's illustrious career.

The Argentine Football Association (AFA) was among the first to offer a tribute. AFA President Claudio Tapia released an emotional letter, acknowledging Jorge Messi's fundamental contribution behind one of football's greatest stories. Tapia lauded Jorge not only for fathering the world's best player but, more importantly, for raising a person of strong values: humble, respectful, and deeply committed to others.

I want to recognize Jorge Messi not only for bringing the best player in the world into the world, but above all for raising a person of values: humble, respectful, and deeply committed to others.

— Claudio TapiaAFA President Claudio Tapia's praise for Jorge Messi's character and his influence on Lionel.

In honor of Jorge Messi, the AFA announced a minute of silence would be observed before all professional category matches. Referees, players, and coaching staff will wear black armbands as a symbol of mourning. The official account of the Argentine National Team also sent a message of support to Lionel and his family, expressing solidarity during this difficult time.

Much strength, Leo Messi and family. We are with you in this difficult moment. We send you our deepest embrace.

— Argentina National TeamA message of support from the national team to Lionel Messi and his family.

CONMEBOL and Newell's Old Boys also expressed their solidarity. CONMEBOL conveyed its respectful and affectionate accompaniment to the Messi family. Newell's Old Boys shared a particularly moving tribute, recognizing Jorge Messi as the pillar and guiding force, alongside his wife Celia Cuccittini, in the career of the "best player of all time." The club also added a special message, thanking Jorge for instilling a love for their colors in Lionel. In a further gesture of respect, Newell's Old Boys flew its flags at half-mast at its training complex.

We accompany with respect and affection Lionel, his family, friends and loved ones in this moment of deep pain. May he rest in peace.

— CONMEBOLThe South American football confederation's expression of solidarity.
DistantNews Editorial

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

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