Tributes emerge for Jorge Messi as Lionel’s family yet to confirm reported death

The Argentine football community has begun mourning Jorge Messi, the father of Lionel Messi, after reports said he had died aged 68 following an illness in the city of Rosario. However, Messi’s family has not issued an official statement confirming the news.

Argentine media outlets including Infobae and Ole reported the death earlier on Saturday, describing it as a shock for the Argentina captain and his family.

Newell’s Old Boys and Rosario Central, the two major clubs in Messi’s home city, both published messages of condolence. South American football’s governing body, CONMEBOL, also expressed its support for the Argentina captain and those close to him.

In a message posted on its official account, CONMEBOL said: “CONMEBOL deeply regrets the death of Jorge Messi, father of Argentine footballer Lionel Messi.”

The organisation added: “We accompany Lionel, his family, friends and loved ones with respect and affection in this moment of profound sorrow. May he rest in peace.”

Newell’s Old Boys paid tribute to Jorge while highlighting his close relationship with the club, which he supported, and the important role he played in the development of his son’s career.

“Newell’s Old Boys sadly and deeply regrets the death of Jorge Messi, who died at the age of 68 in the city of Rosario,” the club said in a statement.

Newell’s described Jorge as “a well-known Newell’s supporter, businessman and father of the Argentina captain Lionel Andres Messi”.

The club also praised the support he provided alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini, saying they were among the most important figures behind Messi from the earliest stages of his career through to his rise to the summit of world football.

“Jorge was the pillar and the person who, with vision, determination and affection, supported Lionel’s career alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini,” Newell’s said.

It added: “His constant presence and leadership behind the scenes were essential in supporting every step Lionel took, from his beginnings at Malvinas to reaching the pinnacle of glory in world football.”

Newell’s also offered a personal message to Jorge, saying: “Thank you for teaching him to love these colours.”

The statement concluded with condolences for Celia, Lionel, his siblings Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol, as well as the rest of the family and their close friends.

“Goodbye forever, Lepra,” the club added, using the nickname associated with Newell’s Old Boys.

Rosario Central also expressed its “deep sadness” at Jorge’s reported death and sent messages of respect and sympathy to Lionel Messi, his family and everyone close to him, while wishing Jorge rest and peace.

The official English-language account of Ligue 1 also paid tribute to Messi’s father. It said it stood with Messi, his family and loved ones, and offered its sincere condolences following the reported death of the Argentina star’s father at the age of 68.

Jorge’s importance to Lionel extended beyond their family relationship. He was one of the major figures supporting his son’s football career and spent long periods managing his affairs and representing him in important negotiations during his professional career.

He was alongside Messi from the player’s earliest years, before the child from Rosario developed into one of the greatest footballers in history. Messi went on to win the 2022 World Cup with Argentina.

Jorge had spoken on several occasions about his son’s talent, praising his exceptional ability with the ball while acknowledging that, at the beginning, he had not expected Lionel to reach such a high level on the world stage.