Barcelona mourns Lionel Messi’s father Jorge after his death aged 68

Barcelona have offered their condolences to Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, at the age of 68.

Jorge Messi died on Friday evening after a long illness. Barcelona paid tribute to him in an official statement, recognising his importance both to his son’s career and to the club’s history.

“The president of FC Barcelona and its board of directors express their deepest condolences on the death of Jorge Messi, father of former Barcelona player and club legend Lionel Messi. On behalf of the entire Barca family, they also extend their sincere condolences to the Messi family,” the club said.

Barcelona added: “FC Barcelona thanks Jorge Messi for his commitment to the club and for the trust he placed in us during the beginnings and the most glorious career of his son Leo in football.”

Messi is Barcelona’s record goalscorer and made 778 appearances for the club, scoring 672 goals and providing 305 assists.

He scored his first Barcelona goal against Albacete in the 2004-05 La Liga season, beginning a record-breaking spell that established him as one of the greatest players in football history.

During his time at the club, Messi won 10 La Liga titles, eight Spanish Super Cups, seven Copa del Rey trophies, four UEFA Champions League titles, three European Super Cups and three FIFA Club World Cups.

He also collected six Ballon d’Or awards, six European Golden Shoes and was named the best player in Europe twice while representing Barcelona.

Messi left Barcelona on 8 August 2021 after the expiry of his contract. The club’s financial crisis meant it was unable to renew the agreement, and the Argentina international moved to Paris Saint-Germain before later joining Major League Soccer side Inter Miami.

Jorge Messi played a central role in his son’s football development and managed his affairs away from the pitch from the early stages of his career. He was also an important figure in Lionel Messi’s move to professional football in Europe.

When Messi was a youth player at Newell’s Old Boys, Jorge took responsibility for arranging the medical treatment his son required. He later accompanied him to Barcelona during the move to Spain, while Messi’s mother remained in Rosario to look after the rest of the family.

Jorge generally supported his son away from public attention throughout Messi’s career. He rarely appeared in the media or gave interviews, preferring to remain focused on his family and on helping Lionel pursue his career.

He is survived by his wife, Celia Cuccittini, and their children Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol, as well as his grandchildren and wider family.