Lionel Messi, sports icon and soccer star, and his family are in deep mourning after news that his father, Jorge Messi, has reportedly passed away.
According to Marcia.com, Jorge passed away on Friday in a hospital in Rosario, Argentina. He was engaged in a long battle with an undisclosed illness. Jorge was 68 at the time of his passing.
Infobae reports that he passed away at 10 PM on Friday night. There is yet to be an official statement from the family or representation.
Lionel Messi & Family Released Statement During FIFA World Cup
GettyFather of Barcelona’s player Lionel Messi, Jorge Horacio Messi, attends a training session of Barcelona at the Parc des Princes stadium in Paris on April 14, 2015, on the eve of the UEFA Champions League quarter final first leg football match Paris against Barcelona. AFP PHOTO / FRANCK FIFE (Photo by FRANCK FIFE / AFP via Getty Images)
During the FIFA World Cup, the Messi family had published a statement on Jorge’s condition.
“The Messi family informs that Jorge Messi is currently going through a health situation.”
“At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favorably within the condition he is experiencing.”
“In light of the reports, rumors, and speculation that have circulated in recent hours, the family wishes to express its deep concern regarding the lack of sensitivity, respect, and discretion with which some individuals have treated a strictly private family matter.”
“The family would also like to clarify that only Jorge’s immediate family has real and accurate information regarding his condition. Therefore, any version, statement, or information that does not come directly from the family and its official channels should not be considered valid or truthful.”
“At times like these, we ask for responsibility, prudence, and humanity. A person’s health and the peace of mind of their loved ones should not be the subject of speculation or irresponsible media attention.”
“We sincerely appreciate the expressions of affection, respect, and concern we have received, and we ask that Jorge’s privacy, confidentiality, and personal space—as well as that of his entire family—be respected throughout this process.”
“Any relevant updates will be communicated in due course by the family and through the appropriate channels.”
“Thank you for your understanding.”
“The Messi family informs that Jorge Messi is currently going through a health situation.
“At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favorably within the condition he is experiencing.
“In light of the
They released this statement back on June 18th.
More on Jorge Messi
GettyJorge Messi, Lionel Messi’s Father has passed away
Jorge was heavily involved in his son’s life and pursuit of his soccer dreams.
Infobae had this to say about him:
“Husband of Celia Cuccittini and father of Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol, Jorge was the pillar of his son’s stellar football career. He was the family leader who became his guide and took charge of all his responsibilities off the field.
He was the one who fought to get Leo the necessary treatment when he was just a youth player at Newell’s and the one who stayed with him in Barcelona when they embarked on their adventure to try their luck in Europe, while his mother organized the rest of the family back in Rosario.”
Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi’s Father, Has Reportedly Passed Away