Lionel Messi has spoken for the first time about the sad death of his father, Jorge, as Cristiano Ronaldo showed his true colours with a message to his greatest rival
Lionel Messi has thanked his fans for their support after the sad death of his father, Jorge, last week – with Cristiano Ronaldo offering his well-wishes.
Jorge, 69, sadly passed away in the city of Rosario, Argentina, on Saturday after his condition worsened following a battle with illness that impacted Messi during the World Cup. And the footballing superstar has now broken his silence.
Messi said: “I want to sincerely thank everyone for the love, respect, and immense consideration you showed my family and me during this painful time following my father’s passing. Thank you for being there for us, for every message, every gesture, and above all, for respecting our grief and our privacy.”
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He added: “I don’t know what I’m going to do without you. I don’t know how to carry on. I used to just play football, and now I’m really not sure if I’ll carry on doing it for much longer.”
And Messi’s great rival, Ronaldo, offered his well-wishes in response: “A huge hug to you and yours in these tough times, Leo. Much strength.”
Tributes were paid from across the footballing world to Jorge: 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.”
Messi’s hometown club of Newell’s Old Boys released a statement: “Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys bids farewell with deep sorrow and grief to Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 in the city of Rosario.
“Recognised leproso fan, businessman, and father of the Argentine national team captain, Lionel Andrés Messi. Jorge was the pillar and the person who supported with vision, rigour, and affection the career of the greatest player of all time alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini.
“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. Thank you for teaching him to love these colours.
“The Board of Directors, members, athletes, and the entire leprosa family embrace with affection Celia, Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol, and all their loved ones and close ones in this difficult moment. Farewell forever, leproso.”
South American football governing body CONMEBOL shared: “CONMEBOL deeply regrets the passing of Jorge Messi, father of Argentine footballer Lionel Messi.
“We accompany Lionel, his family, friends, and loved ones with respect and affection in this moment of profound grief. May he rest in peace.”