The father of superstar Lionel Messi has passed away

Argentine newspaper Infobae reported that Mr. Jorge Messi died at 10 p.m. on August 7 at a medical facility in the city of Rosario, Argentina, after a long battle with illness.

Jorge Messi was a businessman and served as Lionel Messi's representative for many years. He is regarded as one of the most influential figures in Messi's journey to becoming a world-class footballer.

When Lionel was a young player at Newell's Old Boys, Jorge actively sought treatment for his son's growth hormone deficiency. Later, he moved with Lionel to Barcelona when the family decided to give the young Argentine a chance to try his luck in Europe.

Throughout Messi's illustrious career, Jorge was often seen by his son's side but rarely spoke to the press. He gave only a few interviews over the years and mainly stayed behind the scenes, supporting his son in off-field matters.

Jorge was also a regular presence with the Messi family at World Cups. However, the absence of the Messi family in the U.S. during the recent World Cup drew attention, as only Lionel Messi's wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their children Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro were present.