Jorge Messi, Father of Lionel Messi, Dies at 68
The elder Messi passed away in Rosario, Argentina, after a prolonged illness, leaving a profound impact on his son's career and facing past legal challenges.
Carla Rooney
Jorge Messi, father of football icon Lionel Messi, has died at 68.
The global football community offered condolences; Newell’s Old Boys and the South American Football Confederation (Conmebol) extended sympathies.
Barcelona also thanked Jorge Messi for his commitment to the club.
Lionel Messi once stated, "I always needed my dad’s approval, ever since I was a kid. After every match, I’d ask him what he thought of how I played."
I always needed my dad’s approval, ever since I was a kid. After every match, I’d ask him what he thought of how I played.
This close bond existed despite past legal complexities.
Lionel Messi and Jorge Messi were convicted of three tax offenses related to image rights income between 2007 and 2009.
Spain's Supreme Court reduced Jorge Messi's sentence for these offenses to 15 months in 2017.
Inter Miami is scheduled to host Monterrey in the 2026 Leagues Cup on Saturday; the club has not yet confirmed whether Messi will play.
Speculation suggested Lionel Messi's emotional reaction at the World Cup was partly due to his father's deteriorating condition. The Messi family reportedly confirmed Jorge Messi was dealing with a "health-related situation" during that period.
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