Lionel Messi's father Jorge Messi passes away at 68

Jorge, who also worked as Messi’s representative, had been in poor health in recent months. According to the family, he spent much of his final months moving between a medical centre in Rosario and his home as he received treatment. He was surrounded by his wife, Celia, and his children Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol during this difficult period. Jorge played an important role in Messi’s career from his early days and remained one of the most influential figures in the footballer’s life.

The Inter Miami star also spent time with his family in Argentina after the FIFA World Cup, taking a break from football to be with his father. Messi stayed in Rosario and spent valuable time with Jorge before returning to the United States. He made his return to action for Inter Miami a week ago, but the time he spent with his family came during a difficult period.

Messi relied heavily on his father’s advice throughout his career, with Jorge also handling several aspects of his son’s football affairs away from the pitch.