Tributes have continued to pour in as the football world mourns following the death of Jorge Messi, the father and longtime representative of Lionel Messi.

The father of the Inter Miami superstar forward reportedly passed away on Saturday at the age of 68 in Rosario, Argentina, after battling a long-term illness.

Jorge played a major role behind the scenes throughout Messi’s extraordinary career, supporting and representing his son from his early days in football.

As such, top football personalities and followers of the sport have continued to eulogise the late Messi senior, with tributes coming from different parts of the globe.

In an exclusive interview, Daniel López, the Messi family doctor shared what he knew about Jorge’s condition and his final days, while paying tributes to him.

“Yes. With the family’s permission, I can say this. Jorge had been undergoing treatment for cancer for approximately five years. Around six months ago, the disease reached its final stage,” Dr. López said.

“At that time I sat down with Lionel and the entire family and was completely honest with them: there was nothing more medicine could do. They all understood and accepted that this day would come.

“Jorge spent his last months alternating between the clinic here in Rosario and his home, always surrounded by Celia, his children, and the love of his family. He left us peacefully last night.

“To Lionel, the greatest footballer in history and to the whole Messi family, I offer my deepest condolences.

“Jorge was not only a father, he was the quiet pillar who guided Leo from the streets of Rosario, Argentina to the top of the world. May he rest in peace. The family asks for privacy in this difficult moment.”

Inter Miami management has announced that Messi will be granted a two-week official break to mourn the passing of his father, Jorge, who died on Friday.

Club president Raúl Sanllehí confirmed the decision, stating that Messi requires time away from the club to grieve and attend to his father’s burial.

Inter Miami and Monterrey observed a moment of silence in memory of Messi’s father during their Leagues Cup clash on Saturday.

Fans also held signs supporting the Inter Miami star following his father’s death at 68 after a prolonged illness, with the MLS club writing on its official X account: “Our hearts are with our captain, Leo, and the entire Messi family.”

Former Manchester United, Real Madrid, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami and England midfielder, David Beckham, sent a heartfelt message to Messi after Jorge’s death.

“I will always remember the last time I saw Jorge with you at Inter Miami, that quiet, special moment on the pitch when the two of you were sharing a father-and-son conversation,” Beckham said.

“Watching you both, the love, the trust, and the bond were so clear. It was a beautiful reminder of the foundation he gave you, not just as a player but as a man.

“Jorge was more than a father and agent. He was a pillar who walked every step of your extraordinary journey with pride, care, and quiet strength. The football world and all of us at Inter Miami feel this loss with you.

“Please, know that Victoria and I, and the whole Inter Miami family, are thinking of you. We are here for whatever you need. Take all the time you require with your loved ones. Your dad’s legacy lives on in everything you are and everything you continue to achieve. With deepest sympathy and respect, from David.”

FC Barcelona and Real Madrid, bitter rivals in the La Liga, united to pay tribute to Messi’s father, Jorge.

Barcelona paid its respects with a heartfelt tribute on social media and thanked Jorge for entrusting them with Messi’s football career and for his commitment to the club.

“The President and the Board of Directors of FC Barcelona express their deepest condolences on the passing of Jorge Messi, father of former Barça player and legend Lionel Messi, and, on behalf of the entire Barça family, extend their condolences to the Messi family,” Barca wrote.

“FC Barcelona thanks Jorge Messi for his commitment to our Club, for entrusting us with the beginnings and the most glorious years of his son Leo’s football career. May he rest in peace,” the reigning La Liga champions said in a statement.

Eternal La Liga rivals, Madrid also conveyed its condolences to Messi and his family upon Jorge’s passing and expressed deep regret.

“Real Madrid CF, its president and its Board of Directors deeply regret the passing of Jorge Messi, father of Leo Messi. Our club wishes to express its condolences to Leo, his family, and all his loved ones. May he rest in peace,” Los Blancos wrote in a statement.

Tributes have also poured in on social media with Ghost Blogger writing on X: “A difficult moment for the Messi family. May Jorge Messi rest in peace. My condolences to Lionel Messi and the entire Messi family.”

“RIP Jorge Messi. The man who saved football by bringing Lionel Messi, the greatest ever to grace our beautiful sport, into this world,” Son of Jacob stated.

Victor E.C also posted on X: “This is heartbreaking. Jorge Messi was more than Lionel’s father; he was a major part of the journey that helped shape the man and footballer Leo became. After years of fighting, may he rest peacefully. My deepest condolences to Lionel, his family, and everyone who loved Jorge.”

Ayomiposi wrote: “After years of fighting, may he rest peacefully. My deepest condolences to Lionel, his family, and everyone who loved Jorge.”

Oladayo Nason has also sent his condolences to Messi and his family, writing on X: “May Jorge Messi’s soul rest in peace, and may the family find strength and comfort during this difficult time.”