In a heartbreaking turn of events, Jorge Messi, the father and longtime agent of soccer superstar Lionel Messi, has passed away on Saturday at a hospital in Rosario, Argentina. He was 68 years old. Jorge Messi had been undergoing treatment for an unspecified illness in recent months, as announced by Club Atlético Newell’s Old Boys, the Rosario-based football club he once played for as a midfielder. The post acknowledged him as "the pillar and the person who, with vision, rigor, and affection, supported the career of the best player of all time, alongside his wife, Celia Cuccittini." CONMEBOL, the South American Football Confederation, has expressed its condolences for Lionel Messi, following Argentina's runner-up finish in this year's World Cup. Jorge Messi played a significant role in his third son's career, serving as his agent and managing his business affairs. He facilitated Lionel Messi's trial with Barcelona in the early 2000s, which led to the soccer legend's professional debut in 2005 and subsequent eight Ballon d’Or awards. Lionel Messi paid tribute to his father in a 2007 interview, revealing that he was always by his side during challenging times, such as when they first moved to Barcelona. Jorge Messi also negotiated contracts with FC Barcelona and later managed transfers to Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami, while overseeing the use of Lionel Messi's image rights and numerous investments in real estate, hotels, and restaurants. In 2013, father and son faced accusations by a Spanish prosecutor for attempting to conceal earnings from the player’s image rights. Jorge Messi subsequently paid over €5 million ($6.6 million) on August 14, 2013, to cover alleged back taxes and interest. In Rosario, a city in central Argentina, a sign at VIP Rosario restaurant, one of the Messi family's gastronomic ventures, indicated that it was closed for the day following Jorge Messi's passing. The Argentine Football Association has ordered a moment of silence to be observed at all matches across all categories and mandated that players, referees, and coaching staff wear black armbands as a mark of respect. Claudio Tapia, president of Argentina’s soccer federation, acknowledged Jorge Messi for raising "a person of values: humble, respectful, and deeply committed to others." The loss of Jorge Messi undoubtedly marks a significant personal tragedy for Lionel Messi, his family, and the wider football community.