Lionel Messi's father Jorge dies aged 68 after illness

Jorge Messi, father of football legend Lionel Messi, passed away on Friday night at the age of 68 in a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina, following a prolonged illness, according to the family. During his final months, Jorge alternated between the clinic and their home in the company of his wife Celia and their children Rodrigo, Matias, and Maria Sol. Lionel, 39 at the time, visited his father after the World Cup in North America before returning to Inter Miami, his current club.

Jorge's presence was significant in Lionel's career, starting from his early days at Barcelona and continuing for many years as his representative. Lionel once mentioned, "I always needed my dad's approval, since I was a kid. After every match, I'd ask him how I played."

The football world mourned the loss of Jorge, who broke down in tears during the World Cup after scoring a hat-trick against Algeria, attributing his emotional state to "something unrelated to football" following a series of difficult days.

The Argentinian FA and several football clubs, including Barcelona, Real Madrid, and Lionel Messi's previous team Newell's Old Boys, expressed their condolences to the family, offering their support in this challenging period. Inter Miami, Lionel's current team, is set to face Monterrey in the Leagues Cup group stage the following Saturday.