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Jorge Messi, the father of Argentina’s
captain Lionel Messi, has passed way at the age of 68, the player’s boyhood
club Newell’s Old Boys confirmed on Saturday.
“Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys bids
farewell with deep sorrow and grief to Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age
of 68 in the city of Rosario. Recognized leproso fan, businessman, and father
of the Argentine national team captain, Lionel Andrés Messi,” the club said.
“Jorge was the pillar and the person who supported with vision, rigor, and affection the career of the greatest player of all time alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini.”
Jorge was a central figure in his son’s development long before Messi became one of football’s greatest players. He worked in Argentina's steel industry and coached Messi during his early years at a local club in Rosario.
Jorge had been dealing with a health-related issue, with the Argentina star slamming inaccurate reports during the FIFA World Cup about his father's health and asking for his family's privacy to be respected.
"The Messi family informs that Jorge is going through a health-related situation," the Messi family statement began on 18 June. "At this time, he is under medical care, recovering and evolving favorably giving the condition he is experiencing."
In Argentina's first World Cup game against Algeria, Messi had tears coming to his eyes after scoring the first of three goals during the match.
Source: USA Today, Sportstar