Breaking news: Football star Lionel Messi has passed away after a tragic car crash.

Breaking News: Football Legend Lionel Messi Tragically Passes Away in Car Crash

**Buenos Aires, Argentina – October 16, 2025**

*By Javier Ruiz, Sports Correspondent*

In a devastating turn of events that has shocked the global sports world, Argentine football icon Lionel Messi has passed away at the age of 38 following a tragic car crash early this morning.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner was traveling on a highway near Buenos Aires when his vehicle collided with an oncoming truck around 2:30 AM local time. Emergency services rushed Messi to a nearby hospital, but he succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. Authorities are investigating the incident, with initial reports suggesting poor visibility due to heavy fog as a contributing factor. No other vehicles were involved.

Messi, widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time, leaves behind a legacy of unparalleled brilliance. From his humble beginnings at Newell’s Old Boys to leading Barcelona to four UEFA Champions League titles and captaining Argentina to victory in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, Messi’s career inspired millions. His most recent stint with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer saw him shatter records, including becoming the league’s all-time leading scorer in just one season.

Tributes are pouring in from around the world. FIFA President Gianni Infantino called Messi “the soul of football,” while former rival Cristiano Ronaldo posted on X: “Rest in peace, Leo. The game will never be the same.” Argentine President Javier Milei declared a national day of mourning, with flags at half-mast across the country.

Messi is survived by his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their three sons, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. Funeral arrangements are pending, but a public memorial is expected in Buenos Aires next week.

The football community mourns the loss of a true genius. As fans gather in stadiums worldwide, the chant “Messi! Messi!” echoes louder than ever—a fitting farewell to the GOAT.