Lionel Messi's dad has died at the age of 68.

Jorge Messi, also the football legend's agent, passed away on Friday (07.08.26) at a hospital in Rosario, Argentina, where he had been receiving treatment for a long-term illness.

In a statement shared on Instagram, Newell's Old Boys, Messi's former club, said: "Club Atletico Newell's Old Boys bids farewell with deep sorrow and grief to Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 in the city of Rosario.

"Recognized leproso fan, businessman, and father of the Argentine national team captain, Lionel Andres Messi.

"Jorge was the pillar and the person who supported with vision, rigor, and affection the career of the greatest player of all time alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini.

"His constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership were essential in backing every step of Lionel, from his beginnings at Malvinas to the pinnacle of world football glory.

"Thank you for teaching him to love these colours.

"The Board of Directors, members, athletes, and the entire leprosa family embrace with affection Celia, Lionel, Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol, and all their loved ones and close ones in this difficult moment.

"Farewell forever, leproso."

The post's comments section was flooded with tributes to Jorge.

One fan penned: ""What a great sadness! Leo so dear, we are really hurt by this loss!! qepd (sic)."

A second supporter typed: "R.I.P Jorge Messi. Thank you for giving us the best of all the world, the best of all time, eternal thanks!!! Strength and a lot of strength for the whole family!!! (sic)"

And a third follower wrote: "Thank you Jorge for your dedication and for always looking for your son to fulfill his dreams. Take a rest."

During the FIFA 2026 World Cup, Jorge's family said he had dealt with "health problems".

Messi, 39, cried after he scored in Argentina's match against Algeria on June 17, which sparked rumours that his dad had died.

Post-match, the sportsman said: "It's for a reason completely unrelated to sports; I've had some difficult, complicated days. I'm grateful to the entire team, as always, for being by my side."

Messi later added: "The truth is, it's mostly for my family. Because, well, they're always there, always supporting me. We're going through a difficult time right now."

His family said in a subsequent statement: "The Messi family wishes to inform you that Jorge Messi is currently dealing with health problems. He is currently under medical supervision and is recovering well.

"Given the reports, rumours and speculation that have been circulating in recent hours, the family wishes to express its deep concern about the lack of sensitivity, respect and discretion with which some people have treated a strictly private family matter."

Jorge played a pivotal role in Messi's extraordinary football career, supporting him from his early days at Newell's Old Boys through his move to Barcelona at the age of 13.

He remained by his son's side as Messi rose to become one of the game's legendary players, supporting him throughout his illustrious career.

Messi previously said: "My dad was always by my side. We went through a lot of bad things.

"My dad asked me what I wanted to do, did I want to keep going or should we go back? I wanted to keep going, and he stayed with me."