Sports
BREAKING: Lionel Messi Loses Father Jorge Messi at 68
Jorge Messi, the father and longtime agent of football legend Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68, according to multiple reports from Argentine and international media.
The patriarch of the Messi family passed away on Friday night in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, around 10 p.m. local time. He had been receiving medical treatment for an undisclosed illness that first drew public attention during the 2026 FIFA World Cup in June, when Lionel Messi appeared emotional after scoring in Argentina’s opening match.
At the time, the Messi family issued a statement confirming Jorge was under medical observation and “recovering and progressing favorably,” while urging media and the public to respect the family’s privacy after false reports of his death circulated. He was later discharged and returned to Rosario, but his condition ultimately did not improve.
Newell’s Old Boys, the club where Lionel began his youth career and of which Jorge was a recognized supporter, paid tribute on social media: “With deep sorrow and grief, Newell’s Old Boys bids farewell to Jorge Messi… 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.”
Jorge Messi played a central role in his son’s career, accompanying him to Barcelona as a child, managing contracts, business interests, and protecting his professional path. He is survived by his wife Celia Cuccittini, sons Lionel, Rodrigo, and Matías, daughter María Sol, and several grandchildren.
As of the latest reports, the Messi family had not yet released an official statement.
Sports
NFF Crisis: NSC Names Ikpeme Acting General – Secretary., Ademola Olajire, Deputy
The appointments followed the resignations on Thursday of NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General – Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi, and several members of the federation’s Executive Committee.
[File photo] Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme
The National Sports Commission (NSC) has appointed Dr Emmanuel Ikpeme as Acting General -Secretary of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), following a major leadership shake-up in the country’s football governing body.
Ikpeme, who previously served as the NFF Deputy General – Secretary, will oversee the federation’s secretariat during the transition period, while Dr Ademola Olajire, former Director of Media and Communications, will serve as Acting Deputy General -Secretary.
The appointments followed the resignations on Thursday of NFF President Alhaji Ibrahim Musa Gusau, General – Secretary Dr Mohammed Sanusi, and several members of the federation’s Executive Committee.
The NSC also suspended all processes initiated for the NFF Elective Congress scheduled for September 27.
Sports
NFF President Gusau, other board members resign Over DSS Probe
The latest probe comes amid persistent public concerns over the administration of Nigerian football teams that have suffered severe systemic decline, highlighted by the Super Eagles missing consecutive FIFA World Cups and the historic failure of the Super Falcons to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
The President of Nigeria Football Federation( NFF), Ibrahim Gusau, and other board members have resigned.
The NFF board had come under intense pressure following the poor management of Nigerian football.
The latest debacle was the failure of the Super Falcons to qualify for the FIFA Women World Cup for the first time.
The Department of State Services, DSS, joined other security operatives in investigating the NFF over the utilisation of the N17bn Federal Government intervention fund released to the Federation for players’ wages and bonuses.
The fund was approved by President Bola Tinubu in 2024 to clear outstanding payments owed to Nigeria’s national teams.
An authoritative source said on Monday, that the DSS had beamed their searchlight on officials of NFF to show proof on what they did with the massive fund released to the Glass house.
It’s a normal thing for DSS to go through all documents relating to the funds released them,” our source said, dismissing fears of witch hunt or hounding.
The latest probe comes amid persistent public concerns over the administration of Nigerian football teams that have suffered severe systemic decline, highlighted by the Super Eagles missing consecutive FIFA World Cups and the historic failure of the Super Falcons to qualify for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
Sports
Ronaldo To End Career In Football This Year Without World Cup Title
The 41-year-old Portugal captain is one of football’s most decorated players, having won major trophies with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and current club Al-Nassr.
Cristiano Ronaldo says this could be his final year in football as the Portugal captain prepares to leave a lasting legacy.
“This is probably my last year of football, and I want to leave a spectacular legacy,” Ronaldo told lifestyle magazine Vogue in an interview published on Sunday.
The 41-year-old Portugal captain is one of football’s most decorated players, having won major trophies with Manchester United, Real Madrid, Juventus and current club Al-Nassr.
Ronaldo made his senior debut for Sporting in 2002 and has enjoyed a career spanning more than two decades.
The five-time Ballon d’Or winner has scored 976 goals for club and country and is now closing in on the 1,000-goal milestone.
However, Ronaldo was unable to add a World Cup title to his list of honours after Portugal fell short at this year’s tournament.
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