Lionel Messi’s father and agent, Jorge, has died aged 68 at a medical clinic in the Argentinian city of Rosario after a long illness, the family have announced. Jorge Messi spent his final months alternating between a medical centre in Rosario and his home, accompanied by his wife, Celia, and his children Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol.

Lionel Messi spent time with his father after the World Cup before rejoining his club, Inter Miami, for whom he returned to action a week ago. Inter Miami are due to play Monterrey on Saturday at home in the 2026 Leagues Cup, but the MLS club have yet to announce whether he will feature.

Newell’s Old Boys announced the death in a social media post that said he had undergone treatment in recent months for an unspecified illness. The post described him as “the pillar and the person who, with vision, rigour and affection, supported the career of the best player of all time, alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini”. The South American Football Confederation, Conmebol, also offered its condolences in a statement, “with respect and affection for Lionel”.

At the World Cup, Lionel Messi said after Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria – when he broke down in tears while celebrating his first goal in the team’s opening match – that he was going through a difficult personal situation. Later, he explained his tears were due to “something unrelated to football” after going through “a few difficult, complicated days”.

There was speculation that the player’s emotional reaction to Argentina’s last-16 victory over Egypt was due in part to his father’s deteriorating condition. A few days later, the family issued a statement regarding Jorge Messi’s “health situation”, informing the public that he was undergoing medical treatment.

Jorge Messi closely accompanied his son throughout his career, beginning with his early years at Barcelona. He acted as a crucial pillar of support and, for several years, served as his representative. “I always needed my dad’s approval, ever since I was a kid. After every match, I’d ask him what he thought of how I played,” said Lionel Messi.