Barcelona, Real Madrid among soccer giants mourning Messi's father Jorge

Jorge Messi, the father and longtime agent of Argentine soccer titan Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 following a prolonged illness, his family confirmed on Saturday. He died on Friday night at a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina.

Jorge had undergone medical treatment in recent months, spending his final months between a clinic in Rosario and his home. Lionel Messi spent time with his father following this summer's World Cup before returning to Inter Miami.

The elder Messi played a crucial role in his son's rise from childhood prodigy to one of the greatest players in soccer history. He accompanied the young Messi to Barcelona in the early 2000s for the trial that ultimately led to his admission to the club's famed La Masia academy, and later served as his agent and managed his business interests.

Concern over Jorge's health emerged publicly during the World Cup, when Messi broke down in tears after scoring against Algeria and later said he had been going through "difficult, complicated days" for reasons unrelated to soccer. His family subsequently confirmed that Jorge was receiving medical treatment, without disclosing the nature of his illness.

Barcelona said its president and board expressed their “most sincere condolences” to the Messi family, and thanked Jorge for entrusting the club with “the beginnings and the years of greatest splendor” of his son’s career.

Barcelona's fierce rival Real Madrid was among the major European clubs offering condolences, saying the club, its president and board of directors “deeply regret” Jorge Messi’s death.

“Our club wishes to express its condolences to Leo, his family, and all his loved ones. May he rest in peace,” the club said in a statement on Saturday.