Jorge Messi, the father of Argentine football star Lionel Messi, died on Friday evening in a clinic in Rosario at age 68. Argentine media reported his death on Saturday, August 8, following several months of health issues.
FC Barcelona issued a statement expressing deepest condolences to the Messi family on behalf of the club president, board, and the entire Blaugrana community. The club thanked Jorge Messi for his commitment and for trusting Barcelona at the start of his son's football career and throughout its most glorious years.
Health struggles and World Cup emotion
Jorge Messi had dealt with health difficulties for several months. During this year's World Cup, Lionel Messi broke into tears after scoring a hat-trick in Argentina's 3-0 win against Algeria. Argentine newspaper La Opinion later reported that the captain's emotion was linked to his father's health, as Jorge Messi had undergone specialist consultations in Argentina and the United States to confirm a diagnosis.
In response to earlier media reports, the Messi family released a statement confirming he was receiving medical care and showing improvement. They expressed strong dissatisfaction with rumors and speculation, calling for privacy, responsibility, prudence, and humanity while emphasizing that only close family had accurate details about his condition.
