• Jorge Messi, father of Lionel Messi, dies at 68 after a prolonged illness.
• He was a pivotal figure in Messi's football career and personal life.
• Messi spent time with his father following the World Cup before returning to play for Inter Miami.
• Many tributes paid to Jorge Messi, highlighting his support throughout Lionel's journey.

Jorge Messi, the father of soccer star Lionel Messi, died on Friday night at the age of 68 in a medical clinic in the Argentinian city of Rosario after a long illness, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.

For the final months of his life, Jorge alternated between a medical center and home, surrounded by his wife Celia and their children Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol. His family confirmed he was undergoing medical treatment for a chronic illness before his passing, as reported by Al Jazeera and India Times.

Jorge was a crucial figure in Lionel's life and career, acting as his representative and support system from his early days at Barcelona. Lionel Messi previously said, "I always needed my dad's approval, ever since I was a kid," reflecting the deep bond they shared, according to Reuters and Channel News Asia.

During the recent FIFA World Cup, Lionel demonstrated a mix of emotions, breaking down in tears after scoring a hat trick in the opening match. His emotional state was influenced by his father's health issues. Lionel later clarified that his tears were due to "something unrelated to football," indicating the toll of personal struggles on his performance, reports Al Jazeera and India Times.

The Argentine football community, including Messi's childhood club Newell's Old Boys, paid tribute to Jorge for providing "constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership" during Lionel's career, as mentioned by Al Jazeera.