Lionel Messi's father who managed his career from childhood dies at 68 after battle with illness

• Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi's father and longtime manager, has died aged 68 after a prolonged illness.

• He managed his son's career from his early days in Argentina through his rise at Barcelona and beyond.

• Messi's family and major football organisations have confirmed his death and paid tribute to him.

Jorge Messi, the father and longtime agent of Argentine football legend Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 following a prolonged illness.

His death was confirmed by the Messi family in a statement provided to Reuters, and subsequently by CONMEBOL, the Argentine national football team, FC Barcelona and several other football institutions worldwide.

Jorge spent his final months alternating between a medical centre in Rosario and his home, accompanied by his wife Celia and his children Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol. He passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning at Sanatorio Centro clinic in Rosario, Argentina.

Outside being a father, Jorge Messi was the architect of one of the greatest careers in the history of football. Beginning with Lionel's early days at Newell's Old Boys in Rosario, Jorge guided his son through youth academies and the club ranks in Spain before he achieved stardom with FC Barcelona from 2004.

He served as Lionel's primary representative and business manager for much of his career, negotiating contracts and handling commercial arrangements as his son grew into the most decorated player in football history.

FC Barcelona paid tribute to his contribution, saying the club was grateful to Jorge for entrusting them with the beginnings and most glorious years of his son's career.

CONMEBOL expressed its condolences in a statement, saying it accompanied Lionel, his family and loved ones "with respect and affection in this moment of profound grief."

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The Messi family had kept Jorge's illness under wraps before confirming he was going through "a health situation" during the World Cup this summer.

Jorge is survived by his wife Celia and his children, including Lionel, Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol. Lionel Messi had not issued a public statement at the time of writing.