By Reuters
BUENOS AIRES — Lionel Messi’s father and longtime adviser, Jorge Messi, has died aged 68 after a long illness, his family confirmed to Reuters.
Jorge died on Friday night at a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina, where he had spent his final months alternating between hospital care and his home, accompanied by his wife Celia and children Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol.
Lionel Messi is expected to travel to Rosario from Miami on Saturday to attend a private wake for his father, according to a source close to the family.
Messi had spent time with his father following the World Cup in North America before returning to his club, Inter Miami, where he resumed playing last week.
Jorge played a central role in his son’s career, supporting Messi from his early years and later serving as his representative.
Messi, 39, has previously spoken about his father’s influence, saying he always sought Jorge’s approval after matches.
During the World Cup, Messi was overcome with emotion after scoring a hat-trick in Argentina’s opening match against Algeria.
He later said the tears were unrelated to football and followed “a few difficult, complicated days.”
