Lionel Messi's father Jorge Messi dies in Rosario hospital after long illness

Jorge Messi, the father and former manager of Argentine football star Lionel Messi, has died in a hospital in Rosario, Argentina, after a prolonged illness. He was an entrepreneur who also served as his son's agent and managed the off-field affairs of the Argentina national team captain throughout his career. Jorge Messi was widely regarded as one of the most important supporters of Lionel Messi's football journey, overseeing business and personal matters from the early stages of his son's professional career. He was known for rarely speaking to the media and maintaining a low public profile, keeping his involvement largely within the family. Often described as a figure who followed his son's achievements quietly and celebrated them within the family circle, Jorge Messi remained a private presence despite his son's global fame. His death comes as Lionel Messi continues his career and as one of the most recognizable athletes in the world.