Reports out of Argentina and South America are that Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge, has passed away. Early Saturday morning, media outlets out of Argentina and South America began reporting that Jorge Messi had passed away, with Newell’s Old Boys even lowering the club’s flag. Newell’s Old Boys and CONMEBOL have released statements on the passing of Jorge Messi. Lionel Messi was emotional after scoring for Argentina against Algeria at the World Cup and reports began coming out after the match that the health of his father Jorge was the reason for his emotions. No official statement has been made by Lionel Messi or his family.