Jorge Messi, father of Lionel, dies aged 68

Jorge Messi, the father of ‌soccer star Lionel Messi, died on Friday night at the age of ‌68 at a medical clinic in the Argentine city of Rosario after a ​long illness, the Argentine footballer’s family confirmed to Reuters.Jorge spent his final months alternating between a medical center in Rosario and his home, accompanied ​by his wife Celia and his children Rodrigo, Matías and María Sol, the ⁠family said.Lionel Messi spent time with his father after the ‌World ‌Cup ​before rejoining his club, Inter Miami, for whom he returned to action a week ago.Jorge ⁠closely accompanied his son ​Lionel throughout his career, beginning ​with his early years at Barcelona. He acted as a ‌crucial pillar of support and, ​for several years, served as his representative.READ MORE“I always needed my ⁠dad’s approval, ever since ⁠I was ​a kid. After every match, I’d ask him what he thought of how I played,” the global soccer star said previously.During the World Cup, the captain of the Argentine national team experienced mixed emotions after scoring a hat-trick in the opening match against Algeria, ‌breaking down in tears ⁠while celebrating his first goal.Later, at a press conference, Lionel explained that his tears were due to “something ‌unrelated to football” after going through “a few difficult, complicated days.”Days later, the ​family issued a statement regarding Jorge’s “health situation”, informing ​the public that he was undergoing medical treatment.