The father of Lionel Messi has passed away after prolonged illness. Aged 68, Jorge Messi died at Sanatorio Centro hospital in Rosario where he had been receiving treatment for an undisclosed illness. He died in the early hours of Saturday, according to the hospital’s official statement signed by Medical Director Carlos Mackey. Real Madrid, Barcelona’s arch-rivals, says it deeply regrets the passing of Jorge Messi as it commiserated with Leo, his family, and all his loved ones. Jorge Messi was Lionel’s football agent since the mercurial footballer turned 14 years in 2001 and remained so until his death.