Father of soccer star Lionel Messi dies at age 68

Jorge Messi, father of football star Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68 in a hospital in Rosario, Argentina. He passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning after a long illness.

Jorge had been his son's manager since Lionel was 14 years old. Before that, he worked at a metal factory and helped coach local youth clubs where Lionel played as a child. He played an important role in Lionel's career, which included winning the Ballon d'Or eight times.

The family announced in June that Jorge was unwell, but did not give details about his condition. He spent his final months at home and in hospital, with his wife and three other children beside him. Argentine football authorities said a minute's silence would be held at all matches that weekend.