Lionel Messi’s father Jorge has died aged 68. Just weeks ago a TV presenter falsely announced his death live on air.
Jorge Messi, the father and longtime manager of Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 following a period of illness. He passed away on the evening of August 7 at a clinic in Rosario, Argentina, where he had been receiving treatment.
Messi’s childhood club Newell’s Old Boys was among the first to pay tribute, describing Jorge as the pillar behind one of the greatest careers in football history.
“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,” the club wrote on social media.
“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.”
Jorge Messi had been central to his son’s journey from youth football in Rosario to becoming arguably the greatest player the sport has ever seen.
A difficult few months
Jorge’s health had been declining for some time already. During the World Cup in June, Lionel Messi was visibly emotional on the pitch after Argentina’s 3-0 win over Algeria despite the positive result.
He addressed the reaction briefly afterward without going into detail.
“Honestly, it is something completely unrelated to sport,” he said. “It has been a difficult, complicated few days.”
Days later it was confirmed that Jorge was seriously unwell and receiving medical attention.
He is survived by his wife Celia and their four children.
The false announcement that shocked the world
The news of Jorge’s deteriorating health had already caused one of the most talked-about moments of the World Cup. Argentine TV presenter Florencia Peña falsely announced live on Luzu TV that Jorge Messi had died.
The error spread rapidly across social media before being corrected.
Peña resigned from her position shortly after and said she was deeply ashamed and took responsibility for spreading the false information, even though she said it had been passed to her by the show’s production team during the broadcast.
“I apologize again from the heart. I was wrong,” she said in her resignation statement.
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