Jorge Messi, Lionel Messi’s father, dies at 68

Jorge Messi, father of Argentine football star Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 after battling health problems, according to Goal.com.

Speculation over his condition grew after Lionel was seen visibly emotional following a World Cup goal against Algeria in June, prompting the Messi family to issue a statement urging privacy amid “insensitive” rumours.

Lionel later skipped the MLS All-Star Game in July, reportedly to be with his father, before returning to action in Inter Miami’s lineup days later.