Jorge Messi, the father of football star Lionel ⁠Messi, died on ⁠Friday night at the age of 68 at a medical clinic in the Argentinian city of ⁠Rosario after a long illness, the footballer’s family confirmed to the Reuters news agency.

Jorge spent his final months alternating between a ⁠medical centre in Rosario and his home, accompanied by his wife Celia and his children Rodrigo, Matias and Maria Sol, the family said.

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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.

“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 football ⁠star said previously.

The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner’s childhood club Newell’s Old Boys paid tribute to Jorge Messi in a statement.

“His constant companionship and behind-the-scenes leadership were essential in backing every step of Lionel,” Newell’s Old Boys said in a social media post.

During the World Cup, the captain of the Argentinian 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 news conference, Lionel explained that his ‌tears were due to “something unrelated to football” after going through “a few difficult, complicated days”.

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Days later, the family issued a ‌statement regarding Jorge’s “health situation”, informing the public that he was undergoing medical treatment.