Jorge Messi Dies at 68 as Barcelona Pay Tribute to Leo’s Father
Jorge Messi, the father of Barça legend Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68. His passing in Rosario, Argentina, was reported on Saturday by Mundo Deportivo and confirmed by Argentine outlets and the family’s boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys.
Jorge was far more than a supporting figure in the greatest career the Blaugrana have ever seen. It was he who brought a 13-year-old Leo from Rosario to Catalonia in 2001, entrusting the club with a boy who would go on to define a generation before leaving in 2021.
FC Barcelona’s tribute to Jorge Messi
The club released a statement on behalf of the entire Barça family:
The President and the Board of Directors of FC Barcelona express their deepest condolences on the passing of Jorge Messi, father of former Barça player and legend Lionel Messi, and, on behalf of the entire Barça family, extend their condolences to the Messi family. FC Barcelona thanks Jorge Messi for his commitment to our Club, for entrusting us with the beginnings and the most glorious years of his son Leo’s football career. May he rest in peace.
Newell’s Old Boys, the RFEF and Real Madrid were among those to send their condolences. Hansi Flick’s side will pay their respects in Udine, where the first team face the pre-season triangular wearing black armbands, with a minute’s silence requested. The tributes come amid a busy week that has also seen speculation over the next generation of the Messi family. Our thoughts are with Leo and his loved ones.
