Sports
BREAKING: Lionel Messi’s Father Jorge Dies at 68
Jorge Messi, father and longtime representative of Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 after a prolonged illness.
Jorge reportedly died on Friday night at a hospital in Rosario, Argentina, where he had been receiving medical treatment. Reports from Argentine and international sports media said he had been battling health problems for some time.
His death comes less than two months after the Messi family disclosed that Jorge was experiencing health problems and was under medical supervision.
In June, the family had appealed for privacy after false reports of his death circulated during the 2026 FIFA World Cup. At the time, the family said Jorge was receiving treatment and recovering favourably, while declining to disclose the nature of his condition.
Jorge Messi played a significant role in his son’s extraordinary football career.
Beyond being Lionel’s father, he served for many years as his representative and adviser, helping manage important aspects of the footballer’s professional career.
Jorge was closely involved during Lionel’s formative years in Argentina and remained an influential figure as his son developed from a young footballer at Newell’s Old Boys into one of the most celebrated players in football history.
He was also involved in the negotiations and decisions surrounding Lionel’s move from Argentina to Spain as a teenager, when Barcelona became interested in the young player.
Throughout Lionel’s career, Jorge remained a familiar presence around major milestones, including his son’s success with Barcelona, Argentina and later Inter Miami.
Jorge’s health became a subject of public attention during the 2026 FIFA World Cup after Lionel Messi was seen becoming emotional during Argentina’s campaign.
The Messi family subsequently confirmed that Jorge was dealing with a health problem and asked the public and media to respect the family’s privacy.
The family had particularly criticised speculation surrounding Jorge’s condition, stressing that information about his health should come from his relatives or authorised channels.
Jorge’s death therefore comes after months of concern over his health.
Although Jorge Messi became widely known because of his son’s unprecedented football career, he generally maintained a lower public profile than Lionel.
He was born in Argentina and worked as a factory manager before becoming increasingly involved in his son’s professional affairs.
His role extended beyond football representation, as he remained one of Lionel’s closest advisers and family figures throughout the player’s rise to global prominence.
Jorge is survived by his wife, Cecilia, their children, including Lionel, and grandchildren, according to reports.
News of Jorge Messi’s death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from football supporters and members of the wider football community.
For Lionel Messi, the loss represents the death of not only his father but also a figure who played a major role in the journey that took him from Rosario to the summit of world football.
Nigeria Insight extends its condolences to Lionel Messi and the entire Messi family.
This is a developing story. Details surrounding the circumstances of Jorge Messi’s death may be updated as further official information becomes available.
Nigeria’s Super Falcons delivered a dominant attacking display on Tuesday, defeating Egypt 6-2 to secure qualification for the quarter-finals of the 2026 Women’s Africa Cup of Nations (WAFCON).
The nine-time African champions produced one of their most convincing performances of the tournament, scoring six goals against the North Africans to book their place in the knockout stage with a game to spare.
Nigeria controlled proceedings for much of the encounter, combining clinical finishing with fluid attacking football to overwhelm Egypt’s defence.
Despite Egypt finding the net twice, the Super Falcons remained firmly in control throughout the match, responding with relentless attacking pressure to seal an emphatic victory.
The result confirms Nigeria’s place in the last eight as the team continues its quest for a record-extending 10th WAFCON title.
With qualification now secured, attention will shift to the Super Falcons’ remaining group fixture before preparations begin for the quarter-final clash.
The commanding victory will boost confidence within the Nigerian camp as the tournament enters its decisive knockout phase.
Nigerian international Victor Osimhen is reportedly facing increasing pressure to leave Galatasaray in the closing weeks of the summer transfer window amid growing tensions surrounding his future at the Turkish club.
According to reports, uncertainty over the striker’s next move has intensified as several European clubs continue to monitor his situation, with discussions over his long-term future yet to be resolved.
Although the exact nature of the reported tensions has not been officially confirmed by either Galatasaray or Osimhen’s representatives, speculation has continued to dominate transfer discussions as the deadline approaches.
Osimhen, widely regarded as one of Africa’s most prolific strikers, remains one of the most sought-after forwards in European football following his impressive performances in recent seasons.
The Super Eagles star has consistently attracted interest from clubs across England, Italy, Saudi Arabia, and other top European leagues, making his future one of the biggest talking points of the current transfer window.
With only weeks remaining before the transfer window closes, football analysts believe the coming days will be decisive in determining whether Osimhen remains in Turkey or secures another high-profile move.
Neither Galatasaray nor the player’s camp had issued an official statement on the latest reports at the time of filing this report.
Fans and football observers will now be watching closely as negotiations continue ahead of the transfer deadline.
FIFA has informed its member associations that each could receive $40 million if they support a proposed plan to sell investment stakes in some of its major football competitions.
According to the proposal, member associations interested in participating must formally sign up by September 19.
The governing body is seeking backing for a plan that would allow investors to acquire stakes in selected FIFA competitions as part of efforts to generate additional revenue for the global game.
Under the proposal, eligible member associations that endorse the initiative would receive $40 million in funding.
FIFA has reportedly given its 211 member associations until 19 September to indicate whether they will support the plan.
The proposal is expected to be discussed extensively among national football federations before the deadline.
The financial package is expected to support football development projects across participating member associations.
FIFA has consistently invested in infrastructure, grassroots football, youth development and administrative capacity through its various funding programmes.
However, the latest proposal has also sparked debate over the long-term implications of allowing outside investors to acquire stakes in major football competitions.
If approved, the investment plan could reshape the commercial structure of some FIFA competitions while providing significant financial support to national football associations worldwide.
The decision by member associations could have lasting implications for the governance and financing of global football.
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