Lionel Messi's Father Jorge Messi Dies at 68 After Long Illness

Jorge Messi, father and longtime agent of football icon Lionel Messi died on Friday night at age of 68 in a Rosario, Argentina, medical clinic after a prolonged illness. His wife, Celia and children Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol were by his side.

Lionel Messi currently with Inter Miami flew from Miami to Rosario for a private wake. Concerns about Jorge's health surfaced during this year's World Cup when Lionel wept after scoring against Algeria, later saying his tears stemmed from "something unrelated to football." Days later, the family confirmed Jorge was undergoing treatment without disclosing details and criticized media speculation about his condition.

Jorge, a former chemical technician and steelworker, played youth football at Newell's Old Boys before military service ended his playing days. He became central to his son's rise traveling with a young Lionel to Barcelona for the trial that opened doors to La Masia academy, and later negotiating contracts with Barcelona, PSG and Inter Miami while managing his image rights and business ventures.

Tributes poured in from Newell's Old Boys, Real Madrid, Barcelona and the Argentine Football Association (AFA) which ordered a minute's silence and black armbands at matches nationwide. Jorge's remains will be moved Sunday to El Prado cemetery near Rosario.