Real Madrid pays respects after death of Lionel Messi’s father Jorge

Real Madrid have expressed their condolences to Lionel Messi following the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away on Saturday aged 68.

The Spanish club issued a statement on its official website shortly after news of Jorge Messi’s death emerged, offering sympathy to the Inter Miami captain and his family. Real Madrid’s message came before Barcelona released its own statement of condolence.

“Real Madrid, its president and its Board of Directors are deeply saddened by the death of Jorge Messi, father of Lionel Messi,” the club said.

“Our club would like to express its deepest condolences to Lionel Messi, his family and all his loved ones,” the statement added.

Jorge Messi had reportedly been suffering from a serious illness for a prolonged period. Argentine newspaper Ole reported that he died at the age of 68 following a lengthy battle with the condition.

His health had been poor for some time, including during and after the World Cup. The illness was understood to have remained a significant concern for the Messi family throughout the tournament.

After the final against Spain, Lionel Messi travelled urgently to Rosario to spend time with his father. He had not seen Jorge for two months at that stage.

Messi’s emotional reaction after scoring his first goal against Algeria was described as the first clear indication of the difficult situation surrounding his father’s health. During the tournament itself, the forward had also considered travelling to see him.

Jorge Messi was admitted to hospital during his illness and also spent time recovering at his home in Rosario, where he was regularly accompanied by his wife, Celia.

The death of Jorge Messi has prompted a message from Real Madrid despite the club’s long-standing rivalry with Barcelona, where Lionel Messi established himself as one of the greatest players in the history of the game.

The 68-year-old was a central figure in Messi’s personal life during the period in which the former Barcelona forward became a global football star. His illness continued to affect the family while Messi remained involved in international football and later moved to the United States to captain Inter Miami.

Real Madrid’s statement was issued before Barcelona had publicly offered its condolences, making the Spanish club the first of the two major rivals to respond to the news.