India, Aug. 8 -- Jorge Messi, 68, father of legendary Barcelona forward Lionel Messi, has died in his hometown of Rosario, Argentina. Jorge had been ailing with a serious chronic disease and had been under treatment at a local hospital with family members nearby. He is described as the central figure of Messi's career, and his departure would also be a big grief for the Argentine footballer.

Who Was Jorge Messi? The Steelworker Who Guided Lionel Messi To Stardom

Jorge Horacio Messi was once a section manager at a steel mill in the humble, working-class town of Rosario, a man who would go on to become one of the most formidable names in the world of modern sports management.

Settling down and raising his young family on the outskirts of...