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 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

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:

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.

Fenerbahce are in talks to sign Romelu Lukaku, GIVEMESPORT understands. The Belgian striker is open to a move to Turkey and is surplus to requirements at Napoli.

The Italian side are looking to sell for around €10m, and the price is not expected to prove a stumbling block.

Lukaku has only one-year left on his contract at the Diego Armando Maradona Stadium, and the 33-year-old has also drawn interest from MLS side Atlanta United, who have held talks with the player’s camp. MLS remains an option for Lukaku, who has also drawn interest from Saudi clubs over the past few weeks.

Fenerbahce Open Lukaku Talks

Lukaku joined Napoli from Chelsea in August 2024 and has scored 15 goals in 45 games. He got 14 goals in 2024/25 as Napoli won Serie A, but featured in only five league games last season due to injury. The back-end of last season saw Lukaku remain in Belgium ahead of the World Cup as he recovered from a hip flexor muscle issue.

The 33-year-old had a positive World Cup, scoring three goals and getting one assist as Belgium lost to eventual champions Spain in the quarter-final. That has helped attract fresh interest.

Napoli are looking to add Arsenal forward Gabriel Jesus, but require outgoings first. Initial talks have taken place with Arsenal, and a transfer is possible in the region of €25m (£21.4m).

Arsenal Eyeing Attacking Reinforcements

via Reuters

Arsenal are still seeking another creative attacker, having missed out on Vinicius Junior, who extended at Real Madrid. Selling Jesus, who has been described as ‘incredible’,, is something the club are open to, even though manager Mikel Arteta still values the Brazilian striker.

Should fellow Brazilian Gabriel Martinelli depart, Arsenal could even add two new attackers. Julian Alvarez remains the dream target despite Atletico Madrid not wishing to sell, and the player hoping Barcelona make a fresh bid.

There is appreciation for Liverpool target Bradley Barcola, while Everton Illiman Ndiaye has also been discussed. Junior Kroupi was another player on Arsenal’s radar, but a metatarsal injury has sidelined him for 3-4 months. Bournemouth sources had insisted before the injury that there was no appetite to sell the French forward.

Statistics courtesy of WhoScored – correct as of 08/08/2026.

Tottenham Hotspur are yet to receive an offer for defender Cristian Romero, despite long-standing interest from Atletico Madrid, according to Sky Sports.

Romero endured a turbulent 2025/26 season, marred by red cards and inconsistent performances, as the Lilywhites were almost relegated from the Premier League. Despite this poor form, the Argentine has displayed his defensive acumen in the past and is subsequently still attracting interest from a number of clubs.

Arsenal emerged as shock suitors for Romero this week, although it’s believed that Spurs wouldn’t entertain offers from their rivals for their captain.

A move abroad is much more likely for the World Cup winner, with Atletico Madrid cited as the most likely destination for the wantaway star.

Tottenham Yet to Receive Cristian Romero Offer

via Reuters

Spurs have bolstered the centre of their defence this summer, adding Jan Paul van Hecke from Brighton for £52 million and Marcos Senesi on a free transfer from Bournemouth.

These additions mean an existing defender in Roberto De Zerbi’s squad must make way, and there has always been an acceptance that Romero is the most likely candidate. Spurs’ skipper has consistently flirted with a departure, and given he’s now in his late 20s, it makes sense for the Lilywhites to cash in on the player now.

By all accounts, Tottenham are happy to let the 28-year-old, described by Gary Neville as ‘‘unbelievable’‘ in the past, leave this summer, but prospective suitors are yet to make their move, despite reports suggesting the contrary.

Sky Sports journalist Michael Bridge indicates that while Atletico are interested in the player, they’re yet to table a proposal.

It’s understood that Spurs would be willing to sanction Romero’s exit for around £34 million – a fee that the Spanish giants will surely be capable of forking out.

Diego Simeone is looking to add an experienced central defender to his ranks to replace the ageing Jose Gimenez, who has been an ever-present figure in Atleti’s team under the Argentine manager, but turns 32 in January.

Could Tottenham Be Better Off Without Cristian Romero?

via Reuters

Spurs have fixed their primary issue from last season via their centre-back signings. The North Londoners struggled to progress the ball from deep areas throughout the campaign, due to a lack of high-quality passers – an issue Van Hecke and Senesi fix immediately with their exceptional range of distribution.

While the pair of new additions may not be as aggressive defenders as Romero, as reflected in the data below, they do add far more value to Tottenham’s team in possession.

Given De Zerbi wants his team to dominate the ball, draw the press in and then play around the opponent, the Italian’s centre-back overhaul should work wonders in terms of striving towards this style of play.

Additionally, they’ll no longer have Romero’s ill discipline and recklessness in their fold, meaning they may get better without him in the aggregate.

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