Spanish La Liga giants Real Madrid have paid tribute to Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge, who passed away on Friday in Rosario at age 68.
According to reports in Argentine Messi’s father died at 10:00 PM local time in a hospital, where he was undergoing treatment for a chronic illness.
Messi’s boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, confirmed Jorge’s death, though an official statement from the footballer’s family is still awaited.
Reacting to the sad news Madrid wrote in a statement: “Real Madrid CF, its president and its Board of Directors deeply regret the passing of Jorge Messi, father of Leo Messi. Our club wishes to express its condolences to Leo, his family, and all his loved ones. May he rest in peace.”
Messi’s former club Barcelona paid its respects with a heartfelt tribute on social media and thanked the late Jorge for entrusting them with Messi’s football career and for his commitment to the club.
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“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,”
Jorge played a key role in shaping Messi’s football career, which helped him reach unprecedented heights.
Also he served as the footballer’s agent, helping seal agreements that saw Messi represent Inter Miami in MLS and PSG in Ligue 1.
