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Lionel Messi’s Past Tribute to His Father as Jorge Dies Aged 68

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In news that has the football world mourning, the father of Lionel Messi, Jorge, has died aged 68. He passed away on Friday night at a medical clinic in the ‌Argentine city of Rosario after a long illness.

As per Reuters, the Messi family said that Jorge spent his final months alternating between a medical ​centre in Rosario and his home, accompanied by ​his wife Celia and his children Rodrigo, Matias and ⁠Maria Sol. It’s also said that Lionel spent time with ​his father after the World Cup before returning to the US to resume the season with ​Inter Miami.

During the World Cup, Messi was notably emotional after scoring a hat-trick vs Algeria. He later explained that his tears were due to “something unrelated to football” after going through “a few difficult, ⁠complicated ​days.” His family then issued a ​statement, explaining Jorge’s ill health.

Messi has previously spoken about how important his father was as an influence on his career.

Newell’s Old Boys Share Statement Confirming Death of Jorge Messi

Argentina's Lionel Messi looks dejected after the World Cup final loss vs Spain Argentina’s Lionel Messi via REUTERS/Lee Smith

Messi’s boyhood team Newell’s Old Boys were among the first to confirm the sad news. The club said in a statement: “Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys bids farewell with deep sorrow and grief to Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 in the city of Rosario.

“Recognized leproso fan, businessman, and father of the Argentine national team captain, Lionel Andrés 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. His constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership were essential in backing every step of Lionel, from his beginnings at Malvinas to the pinnacle of world football glory.

“Thank you for teaching him to love these colours. The Board of Directors, members, athletes, and the entire leprosa family embrace with affection Celia, Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol, and all their loved ones and close ones in this difficult moment.

“Farewell forever, leproso.”

Adding to this, in a post on social media, the governing body of South American football, CONMEBOL shared a statement, which read: “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.”

Messi Has Been Clear About His Father’s Influence

Lionel Messi Argentina 2014 World Cup final

Jorge was key to Messi getting the famous hormone treatment he needed as a youngster. He also travelled and stayed in Spain with his son when Barcelona first approached the then-13-year-old.

Messi has often spoken about how important his father was in his life. As quoted by the Sun, he once recalled:

“My dad was always by my side. We went through a lot of bad things.

“My dad asked me what I wanted to do, did I want to keep going or should we go back? I wanted to keep going and he stayed with me.”

Separately, Messi also spoke to DirecTV Sports in 2022, via CP24, explaining how his father influenced his career, pushing him to reach a higher level: “My father helped me enormously. He is very critical of me. That made me always want to push myself further.”

Adding to this, Reuters quoted Messi as previously saying: “I always needed my ‌dad’s ⁠approval, ever since I was a kid. After every match, I’d ask him what he thought of how I played.”

Jorge was undoubtedly vital in helping form arguably the greatest footballer of all time.

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Rangers Making Progress in Bid to Sign PSV Star Couhaib Driouech

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Rangers are making progress in their pursuit of PSV Eindhoven star Couhaib Driouech, having tabled an offer worth in the region of €7.5 million (£6.4 million) for the winger, according to Sky Sports journalist Luca Bendoni.

Driouech was productive when granted opportunities last season, netting nine times and providing eight assists across all competitions for PSV. That said, Peter Bosz kept the Moroccan on the periphery of his squad for much of last term, handing him just 946 league minutes, prompting the wide man to consider an exit this summer.

The player’s output has sparked interest from Rangers, who are desperate to bolster their forward department by adding flair on the flanks in this window.

Talks between the Scottish giants and the Eredivisie champions are said to be ongoing as the two parties seek an agreement.

Rangers Progressing in Talks For Couhaib Driouech

Derek McInnes claps the Hearts fans via Reuters

Rangers have been active in the transfer market thus far this summer, adding several players to bolster Derek McInnes’ chances of usurping Celtic for the title next season.

Ivan Pandur has arrived from Hull City for £6 million, Lawrence Shankland has joined on a free transfer from Hearts, while Partizan Belgrade star Vanja Dragojoevic has been added to the Teddy Bears’ ranks, among others.

Despite this rampant activity, Rangers’ business isn’t finished. There’s a feeling at Ibrox that more offensive firepower is needed to compete with Celtic, and they may be on the cusp of completing a statement move.

Writing on X, Sky journalist Luca Bendoni revealed that a £6.4 million bid for PSV’s Driouech has been made, and that the Gers are making progress on this front.

“Rangers are making progress in negotiations with PSV for winger Couhaib Driouech, with an offer in the region of €7.5m on the table as per Rif Elfrink, and talks ongoing pursuing an agreement. Rangers are actively looking to add another winger.” – Luca Bendoni on X.

Couhaib Driouech Would Be a Statement Signing For Rangers

Derek McInnes in the Hearts dugout

Born in the Netherlands, Driouech developed through the academy of Heerenveen, before spending three years at Eredivisie outfit Excelsior. Impressing in these three years, Dutch giants PSV made a move to sign the Morocco international in 2024.

While he’s largely fulfilled a squad role in Eindhoven, the winger has shown his quality whenever he’s been granted the opportunity to do so.

Couhaib Driouech’s Statistics 2025/26 (League Only)

Appearances

29

Minutes Played

946

Goals

4

Assists

6

Shots Per 90

3.52

Expected Goals Per 90

0.4

Chances Created Per 90

1.9

Expected Assists Per 90

0.21

Successful Dribbles Per 90

0.86

As shown by the data above, Driouech excels in the final third, displaying intelligent movement to get into dangerous positions to get shots off and creating high-quality chances for his teammates at an exceptional rate.

Just 24, Rangers would be making a statement by adding this coveted wide man to their squad, with the player primed to explode from an output perspective.

All Statistics via FotMob – correct as of 08/08/2026

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Oscar Pistorius’ Net Worth Decreased Significantly Over 8 Years in Jail

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Oscar Pistorius was once one of the most recognisable and famous athletes on the planet, but his life took a significant turn in 2013, when he fatally shot his girlfriend.

Reeva Steenkamp died after being shot through the bathroom door on Valentine’s Day in 2013. Pistorius claimed he thought it was an intruder in his house, but the South African was later found guilty of culpable homicide and sentenced to an initial five-year prison term after a lengthy court case.

However, the charge was then upgraded to murder and Pistorius ended up spending eight years and six months in jail, before being released in 2024. In that time, as would be expected, his net worth decreased dramatically.

Oscar Pistorius Lost Most of His Wealth

Oscar Pistorius Image credit: Action Images / Peter Cziborra Livepic

Pistorius claimed six gold medals during his career as a professional sprinter, rising to fame as one of the most successful Paralympians. At the height of his professional career, the South African was reportedly earning $2 million (£1.5m) yearly in sponsorship deals.

He was earning big money from brands such as Nike, BT, Thierry Mugler, Oakley and Ossur, who manufactured his prosthetic blades. According to The Mirror, Pistorius reached a peak net worth of $5 million (£3.8m) before his trial.

That has all changed after his eight-year spell behind bars. Pistorius was estimated to be worth $150,000 (£114k) upon his release from prison. His defence attorney Barry Roux claimed Pistorius ‘hadn’t earned a penny’ since legal proceedings began and that he was ‘broke’.

As part of his parole conditions, Pistorius is living in a three-storey mansion located in Pretoria. It is owned by his wealthy uncle, and the now 39-year-old will have to stay there until December 2029.

Pistorius Has a New Job and Girlfriend

Oscar Pistorius

It’s now been two years since he left prison, but Pistorius has kept a low profile ever since. It’s been reported that he’s now almost greying and unrecognisable.

According to sources in the area where he now resides, Pistorius started working for an engineering company in 2025. It’s a big change from his time as an Olympic athlete, but he’s also found time to take part in local Ironman triathlons and take up padel.

He’s also found love again, with a woman named Rita Greyling. The 33-year-old reportedly resembles Steenkamp. The pair are said to attend gospel church together.

Steenkamp’s father Barry, who has since passed away, always maintained that he’d never forgive Pistorius. Barry was convinced the former Paralympian deliberately killed his daughter, and the court proceedings almost bankrupted his family.

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Ex-NBA Player Royce White Declares For WNBA Draft

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A second former NBA player has now declared themselves for the 2027 WNBA Draft.

Following on from Enes Kanter Freedom’s declaration on Friday night, former Sacremento Kings forward Royce White has also announced himself for the Draft.

White last played in the NBA in 2014 while Freedom played 35 games for the Boston Celtics in the 2021-22 season. There is currently a divide between current members and players in the WNBA, some all for the inclusion of transgender athletes and others not on board.

The debate was sparked by Indiana Fever star Sophie Cunningham, who argued in July that transgender women should not compete against biological women in women’s sport.

When making his declaration on Friday, Freedom pointed to the league’s own self-identification rules and what he described as a lack of a public definition for women as his grounds for entering the Draft.

Royce White Declares For 2027 WNBA Draft

White has now followed suit, telling Fox News Digital: “I’m transgender. I’m a woman. I identify as someone identifying as a woman for purpose of basketball, professional basketball, so I’ll be declaring for the WNBA draft in 2027.

“I think I’d be unstoppable. But I’m a team-first guy. I’m a pass-first kind of player. I do the little things. I led my team in all five major stat categories at Iowa State University, so I do a little bit of everything. I’ll do whatever the coach needs me to do. I’ll do whatever the girls need me to do. It’s only fair.”

In response, the Women’s National Basketball Players Association hit back with a statement:

“The WNBPA represents 200+ individual people with different lived experiences, cultures, lifestyles and opinions. We embrace justice, equity, diversity and inclusion.

“Those are the values that unite this union and allow it to protect women’s sports while creating transformational change. Hate, abuse and demonization of any person or group of people, including transgender people, only fuel fear, division and harm. We will continue to have hard conversations. But we will not be used as political pawns.”

Will Freedom and White Actually Play in the WNBA?

WNBA

Despite there being nothing in the current WNBA rules to prevent Freedom and White from declaring for the 2027 Draft, it should be pointed out that there is a big difference between a player making themselves available for selection and actually being drafted.

In the midst of all the controversy, Sophie Cunningham has sought to clarify her original comments. She told ESPN: “I got a lot of negative feedback about me hating trans. And I’m like, ‘I never once said that’.”

With the 2027 WNBA Draft not due to take place until April, the debate over eligibility looks set to rumble on for some time to come.

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