Jorge Messi, the father of Lionel, dies at 68

Inter Miami and Argentina forward Lionel Messi's father, Jorge Messi, has died, it was confirmed Saturday. He was 68.

Jorge, who was also his son's agent, died Friday at a hospital in his native Rosario, Argentina, after a prolonged illness.

The Messi family had kept Jorge's illness under wraps before confirming he was going through "a health situation" during the World Cup this summer.

Speaking after scoring in Argentina's World Cup opener against Algeria in June, Lionel Messi said his emotion during and after the match "had nothing to do with football."

"I have been through some difficult, complicated days," he said. "I am thankful for the support I have received from my teammates and the staff during this time."

A week later, the family released a statement with more information.

"The Messi family informs that Jorge Messi is currently going through a health situation," they said.

"At this time, he is under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favourably within the condition he is experiencing."

Jorge is survived by his wife, Celia, and his four children: Lionel and his two older brothers, Rodrigo and Matías, and Lionel's younger sister, María Sol.

Messi's first club, Newell's Old Boys, was among the first to pay tribute to Jorge on Saturday.

"Newell's Old Boys mourn with profound pain and sorrow the passing of Jorge Messi," the club said in a statement.

"He was a renowned [Newell's] supporter, businessman and the father of the captain of the Argentina national team, Lionel Messi.

"Jorge was the support and the person who, together with his wife, Celia, strengthened the career of the greatest player of all time with vision, rigour and affection.

"His constant support and behind-the-scenes leadership were fundamental in supporting every step of Lionel's journey."

The South American Football Confederation, CONMEBOL, in a statement also offered its condolences "with respect and affection for Lionel."

From Rosario, Jorge Messi worked in a steel factory before relocating to Europe when Messi joined Barcelona's academy in 2000.

"My dad was always by my side," Lionel Messi said in a 2007 interview with Radio del Plata. "Sometimes I would lock myself in my room to cry when we arrived in Barcelona, or my dad would do the same without me seeing him, or thinking I didn't see him. We pretended we were both OK, but we weren't. My dad even asked me what I wanted to do when we were feeling down, if I wanted to stay or go back, and I wanted to stay, and he stayed with me."

Jorge subsequently managed his son's career, which took him from Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain and then to MLS squad Inter Miami.

During that time, Messi became Barça's record appearance-maker and goal scorer, also winning the Ballon d'Or, which recognizes the world's best player, a record eight times.

Meanwhile, Messi helped Argentina reach three of the past four World Cup finals, including winning the tournament in 2022 in Qatar for the first time in his career.

The latest final came this summer, when at 39 he steered La Albiceleste to another final, where they were beaten 1-0 by Spain.

Jorge Messi had been unable to attend the tournament in North America, but Lionel Messi was able to spend time in Rosario after the tournament before returning to action for Inter Miami.

Information from Associated Press contributed to this report.

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