Newell’s Old Boys has announced the passing of Jorge Messi, father and longtime manager of eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, at the age of 68.
​The Argentine club released a formal statement on Saturday morning following his passing at the Sanatorio Parque clinic in Rosario.
​During a press briefing held at 11:00 AM local time at the Estadio Marcelo Bielsa, Newell’s Old Boys spokesperson Mateo Fernández shared the institution’s grief with reporters:
​”Today, the entire Newell’s family mourns the loss of Jorge Messi,” Fernández stated. “He was not only a devoted father who guided the greatest player in football history from our youth ranks to the summit of world sport, but also a lifelong friend of this club. Our deepest condolences go out to Lionel, Celia, and the entire Messi family.”
​A private family service will take place on Sunday at 2:00 PM at the Parque de la Memoria memorial center in Rosario, followed by a public gathering at the club’s complex where supporters can pay their respects.
​Spokespersons for both the Argentine Football Association (AFA) and Inter Miami CF confirmed that tributes and moments of silence will be observed prior to all upcoming scheduled matches.
Jorge Messi passed away following a prolonged chronic illness, according to initial reports from news outlets including Infobae.
While reported to be from a long-standing illness/chronic disease, the exact medical diagnosis has not been publicly specified or officially verified by the family. He had been undergoing medical treatment in recent months at a clinic in Rosario, Argentina.
As of Saturday morning, the Messi family has not yet released an official public statement. Tributes have begun pouring in from the football community, including CONMEBOL and fellow players like Nico Paz, who shared condolences on social media.
