Jorge Messi, the father of Argentina and Inter Miami forward Lionel Messi, has died at 68 after a long illness, according to reports in Argentine media and Spanish outlet Marca.
The senior Messi died at a hospital in Rosario, according to Infobae and Marca. There was no immediate official confirmation of his death or details about the illness.
Jorge Messi was closely involved in his son’s career from the beginning.
When Messi moved from Argentina to Spain as a child to join Barcelona’s youth academy, his father accompanied him during the first months of the move while the rest of the family remained in Rosario.
Jorge later became involved in managing his son’s professional affairs and served as one of his representatives.
He remained involved in important decisions throughout Lionel Messi’s career, from his early years at Barcelona to his rise to the top of world soccer.
Jorge generally kept a low profile despite his son’s fame. His role was largely behind the scenes, helping manage Lionel’s career as he developed from a young Barcelona player into one of the sport’s most accomplished figures.
Lionel Messi, 39, has not publicly commented on his father’s reported death as of Saturday.
Jorge Messi’s death comes after a long illness. Argentine media and Marca have not reported a specific cause of death.
