Lionel Messi's father, Jorge Messi, dies at 68

Jorge Messi, the father of global football icon Lionel Messi, died on Friday night in Rosario, Argentina, at the age of 68 following an illness. His passing was met with widespread condolences from the sports world and beyond.

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Jorge was the support and the person who underpinned with vision, rigor and affection the career of the best player of all time along with his wife, Celia Cuccittini

Newell's Old Boys, the club where Lionel Messi began his career, issued a statement expressing deep sympathy. "Jorge was the support and the person who underpinned with vision, rigor and affection the career of the best player of all time along with his wife, Celia Cuccittini," the club stated. They extended their embrace to Lionel, his mother Celia Cuccittini, and his siblings Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol, along with other loved ones.

The Professional Football League of the Argentine Football Association (AFA) also shared a message on social media, saying, "In this hard moment of farewell to Jorge Messi, the LPF community and all of football bid him farewell with love and embrace his family and loved ones. Strength, Leo!" The Messi family's bar, Bar Vip Rosario, confirmed the news and announced it would remain closed for the day.

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The Commission Directiva, members, athletes and the entire leprosa family embrace with affection Celia, Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol and all their loved ones and acquaintances in this difficult moment

International organizations also paid tribute. UNICEF, with whom Jorge Messi collaborated, expressed sorrow, noting his commitment to children's rights. The South American Football Confederation (CONMEBOL) conveyed its condolences, accompanying Lionel and his family in their "moment of deep pain."

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In this hard moment of farewell to Jorge Messi, the LPF community and all of football bid him farewell with love and embrace his family and loved ones. ¡Fuerza, Leo!

Jorge Messi had faced health issues in recent months, leading to hospitalization in Rosario. The family had previously requested discretion regarding his illness, but public attention was drawn in June when Lionel Messi appeared emotional after a World Cup qualifying match, mentioning he was going through a difficult personal and family time.

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We regret the passing of Jorge Messi, father of our Goodwill Ambassador Lionel Messi and a person always committed to the rights of boys and girls and a benefactor of Unicef