Sports
Barcelona, Real Madrid, Argentine FA Mourn Lionel Messi’s Father, Jorge Messi
Barcelona, Real Madrid and the Argentine Football Association have joined the football world in mourning the death of Jorge Messi, father and long-time representative of Lionel Messi.
Jorge Messi died aged 68 in the early hours of today, August 8, in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, following a long illness.
Following Jorge’s demise, Real Madrid issued a statement expressing their condolences to the Messi family.
“Real Madrid, its president and board of directors deeply mourn the passing of Jorge Messi, father of Messi,” the club’s statement reads.
“Our club extends our condolences to Leo, his family and all his relatives and friends. May the deceased rest in peace.”
Barcelona also paid tribute to Jorge, while acknowledging his role in Lionel Messi’s remarkable career and his close relationship with the club.
“The President and Board of Directors of FC Barcelona express their deepest condolences on the passing of Jorge Messi, father of Lionel Messi, and extend their sympathies to the Messi family on behalf of the entire Barcelona family,” the club said.
“FC Barcelona thanks Jorge Messi for his unwavering support and dedication to the club, and for entrusting us with the formative years and greatest moments of his son Leo’s football career.
“May he rest in peace.”
Jorge had served as Lionel’s agent since the Argentina captain was 14 and played a central role in his son’s rise from Rosario to the summit of world football.
Lionel joined Newell’s Old Boys at the age of seven before moving to Spain with his father in 2001 after Barcelona signed him as a 13-year-old.
While the rest of the family later returned to Rosario, Jorge remained in Barcelona with his son as Lionel developed through the club’s academy.
Newell’s Old Boys, the club supported by Jorge, also remembered his influence on Lionel’s career.
“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 posted on X.
“His constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership were essential in backing every step of Lionel, from his beginnings at Malvinas [youth academy] to the pinnacle of world football glory.
“Thank you for teaching him to love these colours.”
The Argentine Football Association also expressed its grief over the death of Jorge, describing Lionel as its captain and emblem.
The association said it “deeply mourns with sadness and sorrow the passing of Jorge Messi, father of our captain and emblem, Lionel Messi”.
It added: “From here, we stand in solidarity with the entire family during this difficult time and send the most heartfelt, warm and affectionate embrace.”
Jorge’s influence extended far beyond his role as an agent. He remained closely involved in Lionel’s career as the forward went on to win eight Ballon d’Or awards, four Champions League titles and 10 La Liga crowns with Barcelona.
He was also in Qatar in 2022 when Lionel finally led Argentina to World Cup glory, completing one of the most celebrated careers in football history.
Jorge’s death comes after previous speculation over his health during the World Cup. The Messi family had confirmed at the time that he was dealing with a “health-related situation” but did not disclose further details.
The family had also faced distress earlier when an Argentine television presenter falsely reported that Jorge had died during Argentina’s opening match at this summer’s World Cup. The presenter later resigned.
Jorge is survived by his wife, Celia, and their children Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol.
Nigeria’s Super Eagles began their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying campaign with a 2-1 comeback victory over Madagascar in Uyo on Friday.
Madagascar stunned the home crowd at the Godswill Akpabio International Stadium by taking the lead in the 16th minute through E. Kari, who converted a pass from R. Ponti.
Nigeria responded before half-time, with debutant George Ilenikhena restoring parity after combining with Alex Iwobi to finish off the move.
The Super Eagles completed the comeback in the second half when another debutant, Moses Usor, scored to put Eric Chelle’s side 2-1 ahead.
Nigeria held on to secure all three points and make a winning start to their Group L campaign.
The result is particularly significant because Tanzania, one of the group’s co-hosts, already has an automatic place at the 2027 AFCON finals.
Consequently, only the highest-placed team among Nigeria, Madagascar and Guinea-Bissau will claim the remaining qualification ticket from the group.
The Super Eagles will next travel to Guinea-Bissau on Tuesday for their second Group L fixture, while Madagascar will face Tanzania.
Nigeria were without Victor Osimhen for the match after the Galatasaray striker was ruled out of the opening two qualifiers while recovering from a muscle injury.
Team FCT have emerged winners of the Abuja Zone of the ongoing 2026 First Bank/Samuel Okwaraji Foundation Inter-Secondary School Football Competition.
The FCT side finished top of the zonal standings with 10 points to secure the first position, while Plateau State came second with 7 points.
Other teams that participated in the Abuja Zone competition were representatives from Niger, Nasarawa and Kogi states.
Speaking after FCT emerged champions of the zone, 16-year-old Victor Onyebuchi, an emerging star and a student of GSTC Garki, praised the organisers for providing young footballers with an opportunity to showcase their talents.
Onyebuchi said he had hoped and prayed that FCT would emerge winners of the group, expressing delight that his wish had been fulfilled.
He, however, stressed that the team must work harder ahead of the national final, where they will aim to compete for the overall title.
“I am very happy that FCT emerged winners of the group. I prayed for this and my wish has come true. Now, we have to work harder for the national final and hopefully emerge champions,”
Onyebuchi said.
The promising midfielder also revealed that the competition represents an important platform in his ambition to become a professional footballer.
“My dream is to become a professional footballer in Nigeria and later play for the national team. I believe this tournament can give me the opportunity to achieve that dream.”
The Abuja Zone was one of the zonal centres for the 2026 First Bank/Samuel Okwaraji Foundation Inter-Secondary School Football Competition, designed to provide young players with a platform to develop and showcase their football abilities.
Former Super Eagles captain and Al-Ahli star, William Troost-Ekong, has converted to Islam.
Troost-Ekong was said to have recited the Shahadah in Doha, Qatar, where he plays for Qatar Stars League club Al-Ahli, as reported by a Qatari press, “Al-Arab” on Wednesday.
A respected Islamic cleric, Dr Muhammad Salah, also shared a video on his verified Facebook account wherein the defender recited the testimonies.
The 33-year-old defender first moved to the Arab region in the summer of 2024, when he signed for Saudi Arabia’s Al-Khaleej.
He joined Qatari side, Al-Ahli in January 2026 on a one-and-a-half-year contract and has since played 14 matches across all competitions, including a single appearance in the current season.
On the international stage, Ekong won 83 caps for Nigeria between 2015 and 2025, scoring 8 goals.
He reached the final of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Côte d’Ivoire and was named best player of that edition.
Troost-Ekong also represented Nigeria at the FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games, establishing himself as one of the country’s most experienced defenders of the past decade.
He enjoyed a distinguished international career with Super Eagles, making more than 70 appearances for the Super Eagles.
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