Father of Barcelona's player Lionel Messi, Jorge Horacio Messi. [AFP]
Jorge Messi, the father and agent of Lionel Messi, has died aged 68, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner's childhood club Newell's Old Boys announced on Saturday.
Argentinian media reported Jorge Messi had passed away on Friday in a hospital in Rosario.
"His constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership were essential in backing every step of Lionel," Newell's Old Boys said in a social media post.
Messi's family asked the media for "humanity" during the recent World Cup amid persistent rumours over Jorge's health.
The Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) sent their "condolences" to the Messi family.
"On behalf of Spanish football, we wish to convey all our love and affection to Lionel and his loved ones during this time of deep sorrow," the RFEF said in a statement.
A former metal factory worker, Jorge Messi was his son's first coach in Argentina and his sole companion when he first moved to Barcelona as a child, before later becoming his agent.