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Jorge Messi, Father and Agent of Lionel Messi, Dies at 68 After Long Illness

Published

27 minutes ago

August 8, 2026

Argentina captain and football legend Lionel Messi with his late father Jorge Messi

Jorge Messi, Father and Agent of Lionel Messi, Dies at 68 After Long Illness

Jorge Messi, the father of Argentina captain and football legend Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 in Rosario, Argentina, following a prolonged illness. The football community, including Newell’s Old Boys and CONMEBOL, has paid tribute to the man who was the “pillar” behind his son’s extraordinary career .

Jorge Messi, the father of Argentina captain and eight-time Ballon d’Or winner Lionel Messi, died on the night of August 7 at a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina, bringing an end to a life that was inextricably linked to the rise of football’s greatest player. The confirmation of his death came from Messi’s boyhood club, Newell’s Old Boys, who described him as “the pillar and the person who, with vision, rigor and affection, supported the career of the best player of all time, alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini” , a tribute that captured the profound impact Jorge had on his son’s journey from a young boy with a medical condition to a global icon. Jorge had been undergoing treatment in recent months for an unspecified chronic illness, with the family confirming in a June statement that he was “under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favourably within the condition he presents,” while urging privacy and condemning media speculation about his condition . The concern over his health was first publicly noted during Argentina’s 2026 World Cup campaign, when Lionel Messi broke down in tears after scoring a hat-trick against Algeria, leaving fans and commentators puzzled. The player later explained his emotions were due to “something unrelated to football” and that he had gone through “some difficult, complicated days” , revealing for the first time the extent of his father’s health struggles and the toll it was taking on him emotionally.

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Born in 1958, Jorge Messi was a chemical technician and worked as a supervisor at a metal factory in Rosario, a steady job that provided for his family but which he would ultimately leave behind to pursue his son’s dream . He also loved football, coaching youth teams at the local club Grandoli, and it was there that he first trained his son, Lionel, at the age of four, planting the seeds of a career that would redefine the sport . The defining moment in the Messi family’s life came in 2000 when Jorge made the difficult decision to leave his job and relocate with his 13-year-old son to Barcelona to allow Lionel to join the club’s youth academy and receive treatment for a growth hormone deficiency , a condition that required expensive medical care that the family could not afford in Argentina . The father and son lived through tough early years in Spain, separated from the rest of the family who remained in Rosario, enduring loneliness and uncertainty as they navigated the challenges of a new country and a new life. Lionel later recalled: “I would lock myself in my room to cry when we arrived in Barcelona, or my dad would do the same without me seeing him, or thinking I didn’t see him. We pretended we were both OK, but we weren’t” , revealing the emotional toll the move took on both of them as they struggled to adapt to their new circumstances.

Messi recounted a moment when his father asked him directly: “What do you want to do, do you want to continue or shall we go back? I wanted to continue and he stayed with me” , a decision that required immense sacrifice on Jorge’s part but ultimately set Messi on the path to stardom at Barcelona. That choice set Messi on the path to stardom at Barcelona, where he would go on to become one of the most decorated players the sport has seen, winning eight Ballon d’Or awards, four UEFA Champions League titles, and the 2022 FIFA World Cup with Argentina . Jorge went on to serve as Lionel’s agent and representative throughout his entire professional career, a role that required him to navigate the complex world of football contracts, endorsements, and business deals . He was a crucial figure in negotiating contracts with FC Barcelona, overseeing his son’s record-breaking transfers to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami, and managing his off-field business affairs, including image rights and a portfolio of investments in real estate, hotels, and restaurants that secured the family’s financial future for generations . Despite his outsized role, Jorge gave only a handful of interviews over the years, preferring to work in the shadows and let his son’s talent speak for itself. In one, he addressed his son directly and reflected on their journey together: “You know very well that we have gone through many good and not-so-good moments” , acknowledging the challenges they had faced as a family while also celebrating the incredible success they had achieved together.

The football community has expressed its condolences, with CONMEBOL stating: “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” . Newell’s Old Boys, the club where Messi began his youth career, also paid tribute, thanking Jorge “for teaching him to love these colors” , a heartfelt acknowledgment of the role he played in shaping the player who would become the club’s most famous alumnus. His death closes the chapter on a man who worked largely in the shadows, yet whose decisions and sacrifices shaped one of the most extraordinary careers in the history of football, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered as long as the sport is played.

Jorge Messi, Father and Agent of Lionel Messi, Dies at 68 After Long Illness

Related Topics:Father Jorge Messi Lionel Messi

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Ronaldo predicts Cristiano Jr. will be ‘bigger than me’, reveals biggest challenge

Sports

Ronaldo predicts Cristiano Jr. will be ‘bigger than me’, reveals biggest challenge

Published

9 hours ago

August 8, 2026

Trends Admin

Cristiano Ronaldo and his eldest son Cristiano Jr

Ronaldo predicts Cristiano Jr. will be ‘bigger than me’, reveals biggest challenge

The Al Nassr superstar believes his 16-year-old son has the physical edge to surpass him, but says mentality will be the real deciding factor.

Cristiano Ronaldo has made a bold prediction about his eldest son’s football future, claiming that 16-year-old Cristiano Jr. already possesses the physical tools to one day outperform his legendary father. The Portugal captain and Al Nassr forward, now 41, shared his thoughts in a video released by Netflix Sports, filmed while watching his son train with the Al Nassr youth academy in Saudi Arabia. Ronaldo revealed that Cristiano Jr. has already outgrown him physically, standing at approximately 1.90 meters (6’3″) compared to his father’s 1.87 meters (6’1″). The teenager has also developed greater strength than Ronaldo possessed at the same age.

“When I was his age, he was a little bit bigger and stronger. I was smaller. I think he will be bigger than me,” Ronaldo said in the video. “He’s a good kid. The other ones are tougher, the ones at home, the small ones. This one is no problem.” However, the five-time Ballon d’Or winner was quick to temper expectations, warning that physical development and natural talent alone are not enough to reach the pinnacle of the sport. When asked whether his son shares the same relentless drive that propelled Ronaldo to become one of the greatest footballers in history, the veteran striker offered a sobering assessment. “Hunger is the most difficult,” he said, underscoring that mental fortitude cannot be inherited and must be cultivated through experience and personal ambition.

Cristiano Jr.’s rise through the ranks has been nothing short of remarkable, and his journey so far offers a glimpse into his potential. Born on June 17, 2010, Cristiano Ronaldo Jr. has been steadily building his own football career within the Al Nassr youth system, following the same path as his famous father. His youth statistics have already turned heads across the football world, with 58 goals in 23 matches for Juventus U9 during the family’s time in Italy and 56 goals in 27 matches for Al Nassr U15, demonstrating remarkable consistency. Beyond club football, he has also earned youth international caps for Portugal’s U15 and U16 teams, representing his father’s homeland with pride and further fueling comparisons between the two generations.

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At just 16, the young forward has already attracted serious interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, signaling that his development is being closely monitored by the sport’s elite. Reports indicate that Real Madrid, Bayern Munich, and Paris Saint-Germain have all registered their interest in the teenager’s development, and there is growing speculation that Cristiano Jr. may choose to return to European football rather than remain in Saudi Arabia. Insiders suggest he believes that joining a top-tier football academy is critical for his long-term development, and some observers have noted that his playing style and physical attributes have drawn comparisons to Erling Haaland, indicating he may develop into a more traditional center-forward rather than following his father’s path as a wide attacker.

Ronaldo’s comments reflect a father’s hope tempered by a champion’s understanding of what it truly takes to succeed at the elite level, offering a rare glimpse into the personal side of football’s most famous family. While he clearly believes his son has the genetic advantage and the right attitude—calling him “a good kid” with no behavioral issues—he also recognizes that mental fortitude cannot be passed down through bloodlines. This is not the first time Ronaldo has spoken about his son’s potential; in previous interviews, he has expressed a desire to see Cristiano Jr. forge his own identity in the sport, rather than simply being known as “Ronaldo’s son.” The Portugal captain has also been careful not to place undue pressure on the teenager, allowing him to develop at his own pace within the Al Nassr youth setup. The contrast between Cristiano Jr. and Ronaldo’s younger children at home was also notable in the video, with Ronaldo describing the older boy as “no problem” compared to his more mischievous younger siblings, suggesting a maturity that bodes well for his future career.

The expectations surrounding Cristiano Jr. are inevitably shaped by his father’s unparalleled achievements, which serve as both an inspiration and an intimidating benchmark for any young player. Ronaldo’s trophy cabinet includes five Ballon d’Or awards as the world’s best player, five UEFA Champions League titles with Manchester United and Real Madrid, the European Championship with Portugal in 2016, league titles in four different countries – England, Spain, Italy, and Saudi Arabia – and the record for most goals in men’s international football, a record he continues to extend. These are towering achievements for any young player to aspire to, let alone a teenager who is still navigating the early stages of his own career. Yet Ronaldo has consistently emphasized that hard work, discipline, and an unrelenting hunger were the true foundations of his success, not just his natural talent, reinforcing the message he has now shared with his son.

As Cristiano Jr. progresses through the Al Nassr youth system, all eyes will remain fixed on his development, with the coming years proving crucial in determining whether he has what it takes to carve out his own place in the sport. The biggest question, as Ronaldo himself acknowledged, remains the teenager’s ability to cultivate the same competitive fire that drove his father to the summit of world football. Without that hunger, even superior physical attributes and a famous surname may not be enough to guarantee success. Cristiano Jr.’s journey is just beginning, but with his father’s guidance and the world watching, the next few years promise to be a fascinating chapter in football’s most famous family story.

Ronaldo predicts Cristiano Jr. will be ‘bigger than me’, reveals biggest challenge

Sports

Why Osimhen Turned Down Galatasaray’s Iconic No. 9 Jersey

Published

2 days ago

August 6, 2026

Trends Admin

Why Osimhen Turned Down Galatasaray’s Iconic No. 9 Jersey

Super Eagles striker Victor Osimhen has revealed why he turned down the chance to wear Galatasaray’s iconic No. 9 shirt, opting instead to retain the No. 45 jersey ahead of the new season. The Nigerian international, who completed a permanent move to the Turkish champions after a hugely successful loan spell, said he chose to keep the number that has become closely associated with his journey at the club. The No. 9 shirt became available following Mauro Icardi’s departure, and many had expected Osimhen to inherit the famous jersey traditionally worn by the club’s leading strikers.

Explaining his decision, Osimhen acknowledged that taking the No. 9 shirt could have boosted shirt sales but stressed that his decision was based on personal conviction and superstition. According to Turkish sports outlet Sabah Spor, Osimhen was quoted as saying, “I believe you will sell more shirts, but I think you will understand my perspective. The number 45 has been lucky for me at Galatasaray.” “I want to continue with the same number,” he added. The number 45 holds special significance for the 27-year-old forward. He first wore it at Belgian club Charleroi, where he scored 20 goals and launched his European career. At Galatasaray, he has continued his prolific form, setting a club record with 37 goals in a single season while wearing the number.

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Since his permanent transfer from Napoli, Osimhen has established himself as a fan favourite, delivering important goals and strong performances for the Yellow-Reds. He recently opened his pre-season scoring account in Galatasaray’s entertaining 3-3 draw against Rennes in Istanbul. The Nigeria international, who has won two Turkish Super Lig titles with Okan Buruk’s side, remains a key figure for Galatasaray. Despite turning down the No. 9 shirt, Osimhen’s influence continues to grow at Rams Park, with reports indicating that head coach Okan Buruk is considering giving him captaincy duties during the new season when other senior players are not on the pitch. Osimhen has previously denied reports that he demanded the No. 9 shirt and the captaincy, insisting such claims were “not true”. His decision to keep No. 45 reflects his belief in maintaining the jersey that has accompanied his remarkable rise at the club and his desire for continuity over symbolism.

Why Osimhen Turned Down Galatasaray’s Iconic No. 9 Jersey

Sports

Super Falcons Thrash Egypt 6-2, Book WAFCON Quarter-Final Date with Cameroon

Published

2 days ago

August 6, 2026

Trends Admin

Super Falcons Thrash Egypt 6-2, Book WAFCON Quarter-Final Date with Cameroon

The defending champions produced a dominant attacking masterclass to defeat Egypt 6-2 in Casablanca, securing their place in the knockout stages of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations. The emphatic victory sets up a blockbuster quarter-final clash against Cameroon as Nigeria continues its quest for a record-extending 11th continental title.

The Super Falcons booked their place in the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations after an emphatic 6-2 victory over Egypt in their final Group C match on Wednesday. The defending champions needed a convincing win to keep their hopes of progressing alive after suffering a shock 3-2 defeat to tournament debutants Malawi in their opening match, before narrowly defeating Zambia 1-0 in their second outing. The overwhelming victory capped Justine Madugu’s side’s stunning turnaround from their shock opener loss to tournament debutants Malawi, as Nigeria delivered one of the group stage’s best displays to secure their passage to the knockout stages.

Nigeria entered the match under pressure, knowing that even victory might not be enough depending on the result of the simultaneous clash between Malawi and Zambia. According to tournament rules, if all three teams finished on six points, matches played against the group’s last-place team would be removed from consideration, with only the head-to-head results between the tied teams used to determine final positions. This created a tense situation where Nigeria’s fate hung on the scoreline in the other fixture, adding an extra layer of drama to an already high-stakes encounter.

The Super Falcons took the lead in the 21st minute when captain Asisat Oshoala calmly converted a penalty following a VAR review for a handball inside the Egyptian penalty area. The ten-time African champions doubled their advantage in first-half stoppage time through substitute Gift Monday, who finished off a brilliant short-corner routine involving Toni Payne and Rinsola Babajide. However, Egypt pulled one back moments later when Nadine Ghazi converted a penalty awarded after another VAR intervention, sending the teams into the break with Nigeria leading 2-1. The first half showcased the Falcons’ attacking intent while also highlighting the defensive vulnerabilities that have plagued the team throughout the group stage.

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Nigeria reasserted their authority after the restart, with substitute Uchenna Kanu restoring the two-goal cushion in the 57th minute after capitalising on a defensive lapse. The Falcons’ relentless pressure earned them another penalty following a VAR review, and Christy Ucheibe made no mistake from the spot in the 81st minute to extend the lead to 4-1. Ghazi struck again three minutes later to score her second goal of the night and briefly revive Egyptian hopes, reducing the deficit to 4-2. But any thoughts of a comeback were quickly extinguished when Nigeria won a fourth penalty late in the match. Captain Rashidat Ajibade confidently converted in the 91st minute, before turning provider deep into stoppage time to set up Joy Omewa, who scored her first-ever WAFCON goal to complete the 6-2 rout.

The victory was made even more dramatic by the fluctuating results in the other Group C match between Malawi and Zambia, which saw qualification change hands several times throughout the evening. With both matches at one stage at 1-0, Nigeria, Malawi and Zambia were all level on six points, forcing the standings to be separated by results involving the three teams. Nigeria ultimately finished second in the group behind Malawi, with both teams advancing on six points, while Egypt and Zambia were eliminated from the tournament. The dramatic conclusion to the group stage underscored the competitiveness of the expanded 12-team format and the fine margins that separate success from elimination at the highest level of African women’s football.

Despite missing suspended defender Oluwatosin Demehin and midfielder Jennifer Echegini due to yellow-card accumulation, Nigeria delivered an assured performance that restored belief in their title defence. The Super Falcons finished the match with 59 per cent possession and produced a relentless attacking display that confirmed their passage to the last eight of the continental championship. The team’s ability to overcome adversity, including the suspension of key players and the pressure of a must-win situation, demonstrates the depth of talent and resilience within the squad as they prepare for the knockout stages.

The Super Falcons will now face the Indomitable Lionesses of Cameroon in the quarter-finals, with the match scheduled for Sunday at 6 p.m. WAT. Cameroon are expected to win Group D and will provide a stern test for the defending champions. The Falcons will now turn their full focus to the knockout stages as they continue their quest for a record-extending continental crown. The quarter-final clash promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of Africa’s football powerhouses, with Nigeria seeking to maintain their dominance over Cameroon, who have often been their fiercest rivals on the continent. The Super Falcons have won all three previous WAFCON meetings against Cameroon, including the 2016 final, but the Indomitable Lionesses will be determined to end that streak and claim a famous victory.