Jorge Messi, the father and longtime agent of Argentine football superstar Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 following an illness.

Jorge Messi died Saturday at a hospital in Rosario, Argentina, after undergoing medical treatment in recent months, according to Newell’s Old Boys, the Rosario-based club where his son began his football journey.

The club announced his death in a social media statement, describing him as “the pillar” who supported Lionel Messi’s extraordinary career with vision, discipline and affection alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini.

South American football governing body CONMEBOL also expressed its condolences to Messi and his family.

Concerns about Jorge Messi’s health had emerged during this year’s World Cup, where Lionel Messi captained Argentina to a runner-up finish.

Messi became visibly emotional after scoring the first of his three goals against Algeria in Argentina’s opening match. He later revealed that his emotions were connected to difficult circumstances away from football.

“I went through some difficult, complicated days,” Messi said at the time, thanking his teammates and the Argentine delegation for supporting him.

Media speculation about his father’s condition subsequently prompted the Messi family to confirm that Jorge was experiencing a health problem while appealing for privacy and criticizing what they described as insensitive reporting about a private family matter.

Born in Argentina, Jorge Messi trained as a chemical technician and worked in the steel industry. He also played football as a midfielder and reached the youth ranks of Newell’s Old Boys before leaving the sport to complete mandatory military service.

He later became one of the most influential figures in his son’s career.

When Lionel Messi was still a young prospect, Jorge traveled with him to Barcelona in the early 2000s for the trial that ultimately opened the door to the club’s famed La Masia academy.

Messi went on to make his professional breakthrough with FC Barcelona before becoming one of the most decorated footballers in history, winning a record eight Ballon d’Or awards and leading Argentina to the 2022 FIFA World Cup title.

Jorge remained closely involved throughout his son’s career, serving as his agent and negotiating major contracts, including Messi’s moves to Paris Saint-Germain and later Inter Miami CF.

He also managed business matters involving Messi’s image rights and investments in real estate, hotels and restaurants.

Father and son faced legal difficulties in Spain after being accused in 2013 of concealing income linked to Messi’s image rights. Jorge Messi later paid millions of euros to cover alleged unpaid taxes and interest.

Argentine Football Association president Claudio Tapia paid tribute to Jorge Messi, praising him for raising a son characterized by humility, respect and commitment to others.

The association ordered a moment of silence at matches across all levels of Argentine football, while players, referees and coaching staff were instructed to wear black armbands in his memory.

Jorge Messi’s influence stretched far beyond managing his son’s business affairs. From accompanying a homesick young Lionel to Barcelona to guiding his career through some of football’s biggest decisions, he remained a central figure in the journey that transformed his son into one of the sport’s greatest players.