Lionel Messi’s father, Jorge Messi, has died at the age of 68, Newell’s Old Boys have announced.
Jorge Messi, who was a hugely influential figure during his son’s early career and also worked as his agent, is reported to have died in Rosario on Friday night after battling long-term illness.
A Newell’s Old Boys statement read: “Jorge was the support and the person who underpinned with vision, rigor and affection the career of the best player of all time together with his wife, Celia Cuccittini.
“His constant accompaniment and leadership behind the scenes were fundamental to support Lionel’s every step, from his beginnings in Malvinas to the maximum glory of world football.
“Thank you for teaching him to love these colors.
“The Board of Directors, members, athletes and the entire leproso family embrace with affection Celia, Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol and all their loved ones and relatives in this difficult time.”
The Messi family released a statement during the World Cup to say that Jorge Messi had been “under medical monitoring, recovering and evolving favourably within the condition he presents.”