LIONEL MESSI’S father Jorge has died aged 68 after a long illness.

Jorge passed away at around 10pm yesterday at a clinic in Rosario, where he had been receiving medical treatment.

The news will come as a devastating blow to Messi, who has always maintained a close relationship with his father and agent.

Jorge played a huge role in his unprecedented football career, guiding him from his childhood days at Newell’s Old Boys to becoming the greatest player in history.

Newell’s Old Boys said in a statement: “Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys bids farewell with deep sorrow and grief to Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 in the city of Rosario.

“Recognized leproso fan, businessman, and father of the Argentine national team captain, Lionel Andrés Messi.

“Jorge was the pillar and the person who supported with vision, rigor, and affection the career of the greatest player of all time alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini.

“His constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership were essential in backing every step of Lionel, from his beginnings at Malvinas to the pinnacle of world football glory.

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“Thank you for teaching him to love these colours.

“The Board of Directors, members, athletes, and the entire leprosa family embrace with affection Celia, Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol, and all their loved ones and close ones in this difficult moment.

“Farewell forever, leproso ❤️🖤”

Barcelona paid tribute to their legendary player’s family.

A club statement read: ” The President and the Board of Directors of FC Barcelona express their deepest condolences on the passing of Jorge Messi, father of former Barça player and legend Lionel Messi, and, on behalf of the entire Barça family, extend their condolences to the Messi family.

“FC Barcelona thanks Jorge Messi for his commitment to our Club, for entrusting us with the beginnings and the most glorious years of his son Leo’s football career.

“May he rest in peace.”

Real Madrid, whom Messi scored 26 and assisted 14 against in 45 appearances, also shared their feelings of sympathy for the Messi family.

The club posted via their official website: “Real Madrid CF, its president and its Board of Directors deeply regret the passing of Jorge Messi, father of Leo Messi.

“Our club wishes to express its condolences to Leo, his family, and all his loved ones. May he rest in peace.”

Jorge was the driving force behind getting Lionel the growth hormone treatment he needed as a youngster after the family struggled to secure the necessary support in Argentina.

When Barcelona offered Messi the chance to move to Spain as a 13-year-old, Jorge stayed with his son as he began his remarkable journey at the Catalan giants.

The pair endured difficult early days as Lionel adjusted to life away from his family and fought to establish himself at one of the world’s biggest clubs.

Messi once recalled the sacrifices they made together, saying: “My dad was always by my side. We went through a lot of bad things.”

“My dad asked me what I wanted to do, did I want to keep going or should we go back? I wanted to keep going and he stayed with me.”

Jorge remained at his son’s side as Messi’s career exploded, eventually taking responsibility for his commercial negotiations and becoming a key figure behind the global Messi brand.

The relationship between father and son was not simply professional, with Jorge remaining a central figure in the Messi family – regularly accompanying Lionel during major moments in his career.

He also had football ambitions of his own, having played as a midfielder in the Newell’s youth system before being called up for military service.

Jorge later worked at the Acindar factory, rising to become a manager before his son’s extraordinary rise transformed the family’s life.

The 2026 World Cup provided a recent glimpse into the difficult period surrounding the Messi family.

After scoring in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria, Messi was visibly emotional and later explained that his tears were linked to matters away from football.

He said: “It’s for a reason completely unrelated to sports; I’ve had some difficult, complicated days. I’m grateful to the entire team, as always, for being by my side.”

Asked about his family, Messi later added: “The truth is, it’s mostly for my family. Because, well, they’re always there, always supporting me. We’re going through a difficult time right now.”

The Messi family subsequently said Jorge was “under medical supervision, recovering and progressing favorably within the context of his condition.”

Jorge’s influence stretched far beyond helping Lionel become a professional footballer, with the pair remaining closely connected throughout his son’s trophy-filled career.

Messi is the most decorated footballer of all-time, with 47 team trophies to his name – not to mention his individual honours including EIGHT Ballon d’Or‘s.

From those uncertain days at Newell’s, to his second home in Barcelona, to the glitz and glamour of Paris and later Miami – all while representing Argentina on the biggest stage throughout, Jorge was one of the constants in Messi’s life.

Football will now mourn the loss of a man who played a crucial role in helping one of the sport’s greatest talents reach the top.