Jorge Messi, the father of soccer great Lionel Messi, died Friday night at a clinic in Rosario, Argentina after a long battle with illness, according to multiple Argentine and Spanish outlets.
He was 68.
Jorge Messi’s battle with illness became a story during the World Cup that saw his son’s Argentina squad lose 1-0 to Spain in the final.
Jorge Messi, father of soccer star Lionel Messi, died at the age of 68. Getty Images
A cause of death was not immediately given.
Lionel Messi told former Argentina teammate Juan Pablo Sorin during an interview in June that his tearful displays of emotion during the tournament were about a family situation.
“The truth is that for the family more than anything,” Lionel Messi said. “Because, well, it’s always there, it’s always there. Now we are in a difficult moment. So many things came together, but obviously also because of them – a spectacular group that supports me – it makes me happy.”
A day later, the family released a statement revealing Jorge Messi was ill, was “under medical monitoring,” and his recovery was “evolving favorably” at the time.
Jorge Messi played a key role in influencing the shape of his son’s early career and was a key confidant throughout his life.
Lionel Messi currently plays for Inter Miami FC in MLS.
Argentina’s Lionel Messi with his father Jorge Messi after the award ceremony of the 2022 World Cup. dpa/picture alliance via Getty I
He is survived by wife Cecila, sons Lionel, Rodrigo, and Matias, daughter Maria Sol, and numerous grandchildren.
This is a developing story.
