Jorge, Lionel Messi’s father, dies aged 68 after long illness | OneFootball

Jorge Messi, Lionel’s father, died on Saturday aged 68 in a clinic in Rosario after a long illness.

Olé reported the news on Saturday morning, and it was confirmed by CONMEBOL and Newell’s Old Boys. He had been receiving care at home, surrounded by his wife, Celia, and three of his children, before being transferred to the clinic.

His health had been fragile, and the eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s tears after the first of his three goals against Algeria at the World Cup spoke to the emotions he felt during the tournament.

On 18 June, a day after Argentina’s successful start, some Argentine media incorrectly announced his death, prompting the resignation of a television presenter who relayed the false report. The family had to deny it.

Father of the 2022 world champion, Jorge was also Lionel’s manager and agent. A former metalworker, he oversaw his son’s career from the move to Barcelona at 13 to his switch to Inter Miami three years ago. After the World Cup final, Lionel Messi rushed back to Rosario to be at his father’s bedside as his condition had already become a concern.

Source: L'Équipe

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