3 hours ago
10
Lionel Messi’s Photo With Lamine Yamal as a Baby Comes Full Circle 19 Years Later
Lionel Messi is mourning a devastating loss.
The Argentinean soccer star’s father Jorge Messi has died following a private health battle, according to multiple Argentine and Spanish outlets. He was 68.
Before Jorge’s death, the Messi family shared insight into what he was going through during his final days, while also slamming false narratives surrounding the patriarch.
"The Messi family informs that Jorge is going through a health-related situation," the Messi family said in a June 18 statement. "At this time, he is under medical care, recovering and evolving favorably given the condition he is experiencing.”
“In light of the rumors, speculation, and reports that have circulated in recent hours” the statement added, “the family would like to express its deep disappointment over the lack of sensitivity, respect, and decency with which some individuals have treated what is strictly a private family matter.”
The statement came days after Lionel, 39, addressed his tearful response to his hat trick in Argentina’s opening World Cup match against Algeria June 16, saying it had nothing to do with the fact the goals launched him into a new echelon of FIFA record-makers.
“Honestly, completely unrelated to the sport,” he told reporters following the match, per The Athletic. “I went through some difficult, complicated days.”
While he hadn’t divulged his father’s health struggles at the time, the athlete did share that his teammates were holding him up during the challenging chapter.
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
“I’m grateful to the entire delegation, to my teammates,” he added. “They were always there for me, as always. They gave me a lot of strength to get through this, and that’s all.”
Jorge coached at the local Grandoli club, where a young Lionel played before graduating to Newell's Old Boys club. At the time, Lionel was diagnosed with a growth deficiency and needed an expensive hormone treatment, according to The Athletic.
Unable to pay out of pocket, Jorge took his son to Spain, where he convinced officials at FC Barcelona to pay for Lionel’s treatment, per The Guardian, an investment that was well worth the money for the future World Cup champ.
Photo by Robert Michael/picture alliance via Getty Images
Jorge went on to act as Lionel’s agent, who was regarded as a well-respected force until his death. He is survived by his wife Celia Cuccittini as well as their kids Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias, Maria Sol and numerous grandchildren.
“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,” Newell's Old Boys club wrote on X Aug. 8 in a statement translated from Spanish to English, “supported and guided the career of the greatest player of all time with vision, discipline, and affection.”
“His constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership were essential in backing every step of Lionel, from his beginnings at Malvinas to the pinnacle of world football glory,” the statement added. “Thank you for teaching him to love these colors.”
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App
English (US) ·