Jorge Messi, the father and agent of Argentine star Lionel Messi, died on Friday evening in a clinic in Rosario, Argentina, Argentine media reported.
According to reports, Jorge Messi passed away at around 10:00 PM, at the age of 68, after a long illness that he had been battling in recent times.
Jorge Messi was one of the most important figures in his son's career. For years he managed Lionel Messi's professional affairs and stood by him at the most important moments of his career.
He also played an important role in Lionel Messi's childhood, when the family sought the necessary medical treatment for his growing problems. Later, Jorge stood by his son even during the family's move to Spain and the beginning of his adventure at Barcelona.
His loss is a huge blow to Lionel Messi, with whom Jorge shared not only a father-son bond, but also a large part of the professional journey that transformed the Argentine into one of the greatest footballers in history.
In June, the Messi family requested privacy and caution regarding Jorge Messi's health, after false reports of his death circulated at the time. The family announced that he was being treated and recovering under medical supervision.