Lionel Messi’s father has passed away

Jorge Messi, the father and former representative of Lionel Messi, has died after being hospitalised with illness, the family have confirmed.

Family had asked for privacy

The Messi family had previously issued a statement confirming Jorge Messi's admission to hospital and said doctors were monitoring his condition. At the time, they said he was improving and that treatment was progressing positively.

They also urged media outlets and social media users to respect the family's privacy and said only updates released through official family channels should be treated as reliable.

Close to Lionel Messi throughout his career

Jorge Messi had spent many years alongside his son and was one of the closest people to Lionel Messi during his professional career.

News of his death has drawn a strong reaction from supporters of the Argentina captain, with attention now turning again to the personal toll on the forward and his family.