The Pillar' -- Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi's Father, Dies Aged 68

Jorge Messi, the father of eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, has died at 68. The former steelworker from Rosario managed and supported Lionel’s career through major moves that took the family from Argentina to Barcelona, then Paris and Miami. Newell’s Old Boys, where Messi began playing, posted a tribute describing Jorge as “the pillar” who backed Lionel with “vision, rigor and affection” alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini. CONMEBOL also expressed condolences, saying it accompanies Lionel and his family “with respect and affection.” Messi’s June tears after Argentina’s World Cup hat-trick against Algeria were later linked to Jorge’s declining health.