From crying due to homesickness to pitching FC Barcelona for his son, Lionel Messi's dad, Jorge Messi made a lot of sacrifices for him. They resurfaced amid his death at 68.
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Add BollywoodShaadis on GoogleArgentine football captain Lionel Messi has been going through immense pain as one of his closest people, his father, has left the world. Lionel's dad, Jorge Messi was 68 at the time of his death in August 2026. The exact reason for his death has not been revealed, but it is known that Jorge succumbed to an undisclosed ailment that he had been suffering from for a long time. Amid the outpouring of condolences, here's a look at Lionel's dad's sacrifices for him.
Lionel Messi was diagnosed with growth hormone deficiency syndrome at age 11. At that time, his career was under immense threat as a young Messi needed a lot of money to continue his treatment. His father, Jorge Messi was struggling to support him with his modest income in Argentina. Lionel's daily injections were extremely pricey but at the same time necessary for him to continue his football practice and his dream of going pro.
At that time, local clubs refused to continue funding Lionel Messi's treatment; however, his dad, Jorge, tirelessly scouted for an international club to take his son in, guide him in football, and fund his treatment. In 2000, Jorge made the heavy sacrifice of leaving his home, job, family and basically his entire life in Rosario, Argentina, to travel to Spain with his 13-year-old son, Lionel. The move was the only way by which the young football aspirant could keep going.
Messi and his dad then went to Spain for a trial with FC Barcelona; the 13-year-old was successfully scouted, and he began a new life there. Some reports mention Jorge and Lionel were immensely homesick while in Spain, and the footballer would even secretly cry because of it, while his dad tried to stay strong for his sake. Since then, things changed for good for Lionel, who got worldwide fame with the football club and became one of the greatest of all time in the field.
Lionel was emotionally connected to his dad, and the reason is clear from the kind of sacrifices Jorge Messi made for him. Recently, Lionel Messi got emotional during an Argentina match in the World Cup 2026, reportedly due to his father, Jorge Messi's health troubles.
Following that, the Messi family confirmed that Jorge was facing certain health-related issues. However, he is showing positive progress and recovering from it. At the same time, they expressed their disappointment over the speculations about his health going viral on the internet. In their words:
"The Messi family informs that Jorge Messi is currently dealing with a health situation. At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering, and showing positive progress in his condition."
Club Atletico Newell's Old Boys confirmed Jorge Messi's tragic demise. They recalled the 68-year-old's legacy and his role in shaping his son, Lionel Messi's career. The statement could be read as:
"Club Atletico 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. Recognised leproso fan, businessman, and father of the Argentine national team captain, Lionel Andres Messi."
The statement further mentioned Jorge being the "pillar" behind Lionel, alongwith his wife, Celia Cuccittini. They honoured his behind-the-scenes support for Lionel, right from his humble beginnings to his journey to becoming a world-class player. The statement read:
"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. 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."
We extend our heartfelt condolences to Jorge Messi's family as they deal with his loss.
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