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Jorge Messi, Father of Lionel Messi, Dies at 68; Clubs Offer Condolences
🇵🇦 Panama /Culture & Society

Jorge Messi, Father of Lionel Messi, Dies at 68; Clubs Offer Condolences

From TVN Panamá · () Spanish

Translated from Spanish, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • Jorge Messi, father of football star Lionel Messi, has died at age 68.
  • FC Barcelona and Real Madrid offered condolences for his passing.
  • Jorge Messi was a key figure in his son's career, supporting him from a young age.

Jorge Messi, the father and lifelong mentor of football icon Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68. His passing occurred early Saturday morning in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina. Sanatorio Centro, where he was receiving care, confirmed his death without providing further details about the circumstances.

The president (Joan Laporta) and the board of directors of FC Barcelona express their most sincere condolences for the passing of Jorge Messi, father of the player and Barça legend, Lionel Messi.

— FC BarcelonaThe club's official statement on social media following the announcement of Jorge Messi's death.

Both FC Barcelona, the club where Lionel Messi achieved legendary status, and its fierce rival Real Madrid have extended their condolences. FC Barcelona, in a statement released on social media, offered its "most sincere condolences" and expressed gratitude for Jorge Messi's "commitment to our club" in entrusting them with his son's early career. The club announced it would wear black armbands during a friendly match and requested a moment of silence in his honor.

The Real Madrid C. F., its president (Florentino Pérez) and its Board of Directors deeply regret the passing of Jorge Messi, father of Leo Messi.

— Real MadridThe Spanish club's official statement expressing condolences for Jorge Messi's death.

Real Madrid also issued a statement, with President Florentino Pérez and the club's board expressing deep regret over Jorge Messi's death. They conveyed their sympathies to Leo Messi, his family, and loved ones. The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) similarly shared its condolences, offering "all our affection and support" to Lionel during this period of profound grief.

Our club wishes to extend its condolences to Leo, his family and all his loved ones.

— Real MadridFurther expression of sympathy from Real Madrid following Jorge Messi's passing.

Jorge Messi played a pivotal role throughout his son's illustrious career. He was instrumental in supporting a 13-year-old Lionel when he moved to Spain to join Barcelona's academy. Leaving behind a stable job in Argentina, Jorge accompanied his son, facing difficult times that forged the character of the football star and strengthened their bond. His unwavering support and guidance were foundational to Lionel Messi's journey to becoming one of the greatest players in the sport's history.

The RFEF regrets the death of Jorge Messi, father of Lionel Messi.

— Spanish Football Federation (RFEF)The RFEF's official message of condolence on social media.
DistantNews Editorial

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

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