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For the first time since his father's death, Messi spoke up and said, "I can't believe you're gone".
Slovenia⚽ SportsCenter8/13/2026

For the first time since his father's death, Messi spoke up and said, "I can't believe you're gone".

Lionel Messi has spoken publicly for the first time since the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 after a prolonged illness. In emotional messages shared online, Messi expressed deep grief over losing his father, who was not only his parent but also a lifelong companion and supporter throughout his football career. Messi reflected on their close relationship, his father’s role in shaping his life and career, and how Jorge’s illness affected him personally and professionally. He also mentioned doubts about his future in football, noting that winning another world title would have been a personal goal he wanted to achieve for his father. The loss of Jorge represents more than just a family member, it signifies the end of a significant chapter in Messi’s life, both personally and professionally. Cristiano Ronaldo sent a message of support to Messi during this difficult time.

Jorge Messi, father of eight-time Ballon d’Or winner and Argentina captain Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 after a long illness. He passed away in a hospital in Rosario, his hometown, according to Newell’s Old Boys, the club where Lionel played as a child. His death comes amid ongoing discussions about his health, which had been publicly acknowledged during recent international football events. Jorge Messi was central to his son’s career, serving as his first coach in Argentina and accompanying him through the early challenging years in Barcelona before becoming his representative and negotiator for contracts. The most famous agreement he secured on behalf of his son was the landmark deal with FC Barcelona in 2000. This contract, signed on a piece of paper with former sports director Carles Rexach, allowed Lionel, then just 13, to join the Spanish giants. Barcelona committed to funding Lionel’s growth hormone therapy, which Argentine clubs could not provide. This move laid the foundation for Lionel’s rise to global stardom. Lionel Messi went on to become one of the most recognizable names in Barcelona’s history, scoring 672 goals in 778 matches before leaving the club in 2021. Throughout his career, he often credited his father for his critical feedback and support. “My father helped me a lot. He is very critical of me. That’s why I always wanted to surpass myself,” Messi stated in an interview with DirecTV Sports in 2022. The public became aware of Jorge’s health struggles during this year’s World Cup. After scoring a goal in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria, Messi broke down in tears and admitted on a press conference that his emotional reaction was due to “something unrelated to football” and “some difficult days.” The Messi family later confirmed that Jorge was undergoing treatment and that his condition was improving. Jorge’s role extended beyond his son’s sporting career. He managed many of the business aspects of Lionel’s life, including contract negotiations and sponsorship deals. Despite being less visible in the public eye compared to his son, he remained a key figure behind major decisions in Lionel’s professional journey. His influence was particularly evident during the tense relationship between Lionel and Barcelona’s management in 2020, and again when Messi moved to Paris Saint-Germain in 2021. Jorge worked in the steel industry and was married to Celia María Cuccittini, who worked in a magnet manufacturing plant. They have four children: Rodrigo, Matías, and two daughters, María Sol and another daughter whose name was not disclosed in the reports. His passing has elicited widespread condolences, including from Real Madrid, Barcelona’s historic rival, which expressed its sorrow over the loss of Jorge Messi, father of Lionel Messi. The tragedy underscores the deep personal and professional bond between father and son, and the pivotal role Jorge played in shaping one of the greatest football careers of all time. Jorge Messi’s legacy will be remembered not only for his contributions to his son’s success but also for the unwavering support and sacrifices he made throughout Lionel’s journey. His death marks the end of an era for the Messi family and the world of football.

How this report was made. Objective News wrote this report from 7 source articles, using AI-assisted synthesis under our methodology. It is our own text, not a copy of any single outlet. Read our methodology.

Responsible editor: Matej BašaSpotted an error? Report it

10 reports

Žurnal24 logoŽurnal24IndependentCenterFactual 89Objective 768/12/2026
Messi, after the death of his father, emotionally about the end of his career.

Lionel Messi je v čustvenem zapisu na Instagramu izrazil svoje čustva po smrti svojega očeta, Jorge Messija, ki je umrl v starosti 68 let. Messi je izrazil dvom o nadaljevanju svoje nogometne kariere, kar je povezano z dejstvom, da je njegov oče želel, naj odigra še eno svetovno prvenstvo. Messi je izrazil ponos na svojo kariero, kljub temu pa je izpostavil, da je njegova fizična zmogljivost postala omejena. V zapisu je izrazil občutek, da je njegov oče imel vedno prav, in izrazil ljubezen in podobo za njega. Jorge Messi je umrl po dolgi bolezni, ki jo je družina skriti držala, in ga so pokopali v družinskem krogu na zasebnem pokopališču.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a personal and emotional reflection by Lionel Messi following his father's death, which is primarily a sports-related sentiment rather than a politically charged issue. The content does not involve political ideologies, policies, or public figures in a contentious manner. It's

Why factuality (89): The article provides accurate information about Messi's emotional response to his father's death, including the father's illness, the World Cup impact, and the private funeral. It also mentions Ronaldo's support, which is corroborated by other sources. The content is largely factual and consistent w

Why objectivity (76): While the article is informative, it emphasizes the emotional significance of the event, particularly in relation to Messi's potential retirement. This adds a subjective layer, reducing the objectivity score.

Delo logoDeloIndependent🔒CenterFactual 88Objective 758/12/2026
Ronaldo also offered his condolences to the bereaved Messi

Lionel Messi je javno izrazil svojo žalost zaradi smrti očeta Jorgeja Messija, ki je v 68. letu starosti umrl po dolgi bolezni. Messi je v zapisu na Instagramu opisal, kako je očetova bolezen vplivala na njegovo udeležbo na letošnjem svetovnem prvenstvu, kjer je Argentina došla do finala. Oče je bil njegov spremljevalec, svetovalec in zastopnik skozi celotno njegovo nogometno karierno. Messi je priznal, da je želel osvojiti še en naslov svetovnega prvaka tudi zaradi očeta, vendar je to neuspešno. Oče je med turnirjem spodbujal njegovo udeležbo, kar je zelo pomembno za njegovo motivacijo. Messi je v zapisu tudi izrazil dvome o nadaljnem igri nogometa.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on the personal relationship between Lionel Messi and his father, Jorge Messi, and does not present any political viewpoints or take sides in a political debate. The content is primarily emotional and reflective, centered around family and personal life rather than political stas

Why factuality (88): This article provides consistent information about Messi's response to his father's death, including the cause of death, the father's role in Messi's career, and the emotional impact on Messi's World Cup participation. It matches other sources and includes quotes from Messi that are corroborated by

Why objectivity (75): While the article is informative, it frames Messi's emotions as a natural response to loss, which is reasonable. However, there is a slight emphasis on the emotional weight of the situation, which could be seen as leaning toward empathy rather than complete neutrality.

Siol.net logoSiol.netState / PublicCenterFactual 87Objective 738/12/2026
Lionel Messi's emotional record, will he ever play football again?

Lionel Messi je v čustvenem zapisu na Instagramu izrazil svoje čustva glede smrti svojega očeta Jorge Messija, ki je umrl v starosti 68 let. Messi je izrazil dvom o nadaljevanju svoje nogometne kariere, izrazil je podobnost med svojim očetom in svojim samim trenutnim stanjem, ter poudarjal, kako je oče vplival na njegovo kariero. Messi je tudi opozoril, da je oče želel, naj odigra še eno svetovno prvenstvo, kar je bil v skladu s tem, kar je dejansko zgodilo. Messi je zadnjo tekmo odigral 9. avgusta, kar je bilo nekaj dni po smrti svojega očeta.

Bias read (Center): Artikel obravnava osebna čustva in zgodba Messijske porodice, kar je manj politično obremenjeno. Kljub temu, da se govori o Messiju kot o znani lihini, ni noben politički anglež ali stališča, ki bi povzročili politično naklonjenost. Stvar je bolj personalna in emocionalna, zato je lež znotraj centra

Why factuality (87): This article accurately captures the essence of Messi's Instagram message, including his reflection on his father's influence and his possible retirement. It confirms key details like the father's age at death and the private funeral, matching other reports. The content is mostly factual.

Why objectivity (73): The article has an emotional tone, especially when discussing Messi's personal feelings and his relationship with his father. While understandable, this reduces the level of objectivity.

Slovenske novice logoSlovenske noviceIndependentCenterFactual 87Objective 728/12/2026
A heartbreaking letter from Lionel Messi: "Why didn't you wait a little longer to end it together?"

Lionel Messi je v čustvenem spisu na Instagramu izrazil svoje občutek glede smrti svojega očeta Jorge Messija, ki je umrl v starosti 68 let. Messi je izrazil dvom o tem, zakaj ni zdržal še malo, da bi skupaj končala njegova nogometna pot. Spominjal se je na njegove posledice, kot so prošnja za dodatno svetovno prvenstvo in obljube, da bo Argentina prišla do finala. Messi je tudi izrazil podobnost med svojim očetom in svojo lastno kariero, ter izrazil občutek, da je njegova družina bila ključna za njegovo uspešnost. Jorge Messi je umrl po dolgi bolezni, ki jo je družina skriti, in ga so pokopali v zasebnem pokopališču.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a personal tribute by Lionel Messi to his late father, which is a private family matter rather than a politically charged issue. The content does not involve political ideologies, policies, or public figures in a contentious manner. Therefore, the political charge is minimal,

Why factuality (87): The article accurately reflects the content of Messi's Instagram post, including his reflections on his father's influence and his potential retirement. It confirms key details like the date of death and the private funeral, matching other reports. The text is largely factual but contains emotive la

Why objectivity (72): The tone is highly emotional, especially in phrases like 'čustven najboljši nogometaš na svetu,' which suggests admiration and personal sentiment. This makes the piece less objective despite containing verified facts.

RTV Slovenija (MMC) logoRTV Slovenija (MMC)State / PublicCenterFactual 86Objective 708/12/2026
Lionel Messi's emotional note on the death of his father Jorge

Lionel Messi has shared a heartfelt message on Instagram mourning the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 after a prolonged illness. The post reflects on their relationship, expressing regret over not being able to continue playing football together and questioning whether he will continue his career. The family kept the cause of death private and held a private funeral at El Prado cemetery near Messi’s hometown of Rosario. The emotional tribute highlights both personal loss and the impact of his father’s guidance throughout Messi’s life.

Bias read (Center): The article presents a personal and emotional reflection by Lionel Messi on the passing of his father, focusing on family dynamics and personal sentiment rather than political ideology or public policy. While the subject involves a high-profile individual, the framing remains emotionally expressive,

Why factuality (86): The article consistently reports on Messi's emotional response to his father's death, including the father's illness, the World Cup impact, and the private funeral. It aligns with other sources and includes direct quotes from Messi. Minor discrepancies in phrasing don't affect overall accuracy.

Why objectivity (70): The language used is very emotive, particularly in describing Messi's feelings and his relationship with his father. This leans toward a subjective tone, even though the facts are generally correct.

Slovenske novice logoSlovenske noviceIndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 808/9/2026
It's known what killed Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi's father

Jorge Messi, oče osemkratnega zmagovalca zlate žoge in kapitana argentinske nogometne reprezentance Lionela Messija, je umrl v starosti 68 let v svojem rojstnem mestu Rosario. Klub Newell's Old Boys je sporočil njegovo smrt v soboto. Argentinski mediji so objavili, da je umrl zaradi dolge in težke bolezni, kar je bilo povzetje njegove zdravstvene situacije, ki je postala javna med svetovnim prvenstvom, ko je Lionel Messi priznal težave v svojem zasebnem življenju. Jorge Messi je bil ključna osebnost v karieri Lionea, zadevajoč se kot prvi trener, spremljevalec in agent. Njegova smrt je sprožila odzive, med drugim tudi od Real Madrida, velikog tekmeca Barcelone, ki je izrazil sožalje družini Messija.

Bias read (Center): Artikel opisuje dogodek, ki je povezan z domačim nogometnim svetom in družino znane ličnosti, brez izražanja politične stranke ali podpore k konkretnim političnim subjektom. Čeprav je vključen Real Madrid kot veliki tekmec Barcelone, ni prisotna izražena politična stranska podpora ali kritika. Stroh

Why factuality (85): This article confirms the details of Jorge Messi's death, including his age, location, and cause of death (long illness). It also mentions the public reaction from Real Madrid, which is corroborated by other sources. The information about his health issues during the World Cup is consistent with oth

Why objectivity (80): The article maintains an objective tone, reporting on the public response and the impact of Jorge Messi's death. While it mentions Real Madrid's statement, it does not take sides or express personal opinion.

Žurnal24 logoŽurnal24IndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 708/13/2026
Did you see what Ronaldo did after Messi's father died?

Cristiano Ronaldo je po smrti očeta Lionela Messija poslal sporočilo podpore, kar je povzročilo globoko utrpljenje in sožalje v sportskih krugih. Messi, ki je bil v dolgem času v rivalstvu s Ronaldojem, je izrazil svoje čustva v zapisu, v katerem je poudarjal pomembnost očeta v njegovi karijeri in vzgoji otrok. Ronaldo je svoje sporočilo objavil na Instagramu, kjer je zbral več kot 5,5 milijonov všečkov, kar kaže na njegovo močno vpliv na javno mnenje. Medtem ko je Messi izrazil dvom v svojo nadaljnjo karierno zaradi izgube očeta, je Ronaldo poudarjal, da so neke stvari večje od nogometa.

Bias read (Center): Čeprav je tema povezana z politično vrednoto rivalstva med nogometnimi igralci, artikel ne uporablja stranskih besed ali enstranskih virov. Sporočila obojega igralcev so predstavljeni z neutralno perspektivo, kar omogoča uravnoteženo poročilo. Vendar pa ima tematiko, ki je povezana z globalno popkul

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports the death of Jorge Messi and his impact on Lionel Messi's career and emotions. It mentions the widespread support from around the world, including Cristiano Ronaldo's message, and quotes Messi directly. The information aligns with the cross-source consensus that this w

Why objectivity (70): The article presents the events with an emotional tone, emphasizing the personal impact on Messi and the public reaction. While it includes quotes from both Messi and Ronaldo, it frames the situation as a moment of unity between rivals, which may slightly lean towards a positive narrative. The langu

24ur (POP TV) logo24ur (POP TV)IndependentCenterFactual 85Objective 708/12/2026
For the first time since his father's death, Messi spoke up and said, "I can't believe you're gone".

Lionel Messi has spoken publicly for the first time since the death of his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 after a prolonged illness. In emotional messages shared online, Messi expressed deep grief over losing his father, who was not only his parent but also a lifelong companion and supporter throughout his football career. Messi reflected on their close relationship, his father’s role in shaping his life and career, and how Jorge’s illness affected him personally and professionally. He also mentioned doubts about his future in football, noting that winning another world title would have been a personal goal he wanted to achieve for his father. The loss of Jorge represents more than just a family member, it signifies the end of a significant chapter in Messi’s life, both personally and professionally. Cristiano Ronaldo sent a message of support to Messi during this difficult time.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on a personal and emotional event related to a sports figure's family life, with no direct political implications or controversy. It provides a balanced account of Messi's feelings and reflections without taking a stance or showing bias toward any political ideology.

Why factuality (85): The article accurately reports on Messi's public reaction to his father's death, including details about the father's illness, the impact on Messi's performance at the World Cup, and the emotional content of his social media post. It aligns with the cross-source consensus regarding the timeline and

Why objectivity (70): The article uses emotionally charged language, such as 'ganljiv' and 'težko verjame', which leans into sentiment rather than maintaining strict neutrality. While it presents facts, the tone is somewhat subjective and empathetic towards Messi’s grief.

24ur (POP TV) logo24ur (POP TV)IndependentProgressiveFactual 75Objective 658/9/2026
The father of a football legend: Jorge Messi and the fight for his son's dream

The article discusses the early life challenges faced by Lionel Messi, particularly his growth hormone deficiency diagnosed at age 10, which required costly treatment. His father, Jorge Messi, played a crucial role in supporting his son's medical needs and fighting for his future in football. Despite financial and administrative obstacles, including Barcelona's initial reluctance to sign Messi due to concerns over his health and finances, Jorge's determination helped secure Messi's professional career. The narrative highlights the emotional and financial struggle within the Messi family and their perseverance in pursuing Lionel's dream of becoming a top footballer.

Bias read (Progressive): The article frames the struggle of the Messi family as a battle against systemic barriers, emphasizing the father's personal sacrifice and belief in his son's potential. While not overtly political, the focus on overcoming institutional and economic challenges aligns with leftist narratives that see

Why factuality (75): The article provides a narrative about Jorge Messi's role in supporting his son Lionel during his growth and early career, aligning with general knowledge about their relationship. It mentions the hormone deficiency diagnosis at age 10, treatment costs, and the 2000 move to Barcelona. However, it la

Why objectivity (65): The tone is highly emotional and celebratory, focusing on the father-son bond and the 'miracle' of Lionel's success. The article uses loaded language like 'bodočo nogometno legendo' and frames Jorge's actions as heroic, which introduces bias rather than presenting an objective account.

Demokracija logoDemokracijaParty-alignedCenterFactual 60Objective 558/9/2026
Lionel Messi is grieving

Jorge Messi, oče nogometnega zvezde Lionela Messija, je umrl v starosti 68 let zaradi dolge bolezni v bolnišnici v Rosariu. Klub Newell’s Old Boys je potrdil njeno smrt. Jorge je bil ključna figura v karieri Lionala, kot prvi trener v Argentini, spremljevalec v Barceloni in njegov zastopnik, ki je sklenil pomembne pogodbe, vključno z prvotno pogodbo z Barcelono leta 2000, ki je omogočila Lionalu, da se pridruži klubu in dobil zdravstveno podporo. Njegova smrt je povzročila ogromno občutek med Messiho družino in njegovo kariero, ki je postala ena največjih v zgodovini nogometnega kluba Barcelona. Družina je kasneje potrdila, da se njegovo zdravstveno stanje izboljšuje.

Bias read (Center): The article focuses on the death of Jorge Messi, a family member of football legend Lionel Messi, and discusses his role in Lionel Messi's career. It does not present any political viewpoints, nor does it frame the subject in a politically charged manner. The content is purely informational and biob

Why factuality (60): This article reports on Jorge Messi's death and his role in Lionel's career, citing information from Newell’s Old Boys and AFP. While it includes some verified details about his involvement with Lionel, it also contains incomplete information (e.g., the 2000 contract with Barcelona) and appears cut

Why objectivity (55): The article has a somber tone and focuses on the emotional impact of Jorge's passing, using phrases like 'žaluje' and quoting Lionel's personal reflections. This leans into sentimentality rather than providing a balanced, detached account of events.

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