Hyderabad, Aug. 8 -- Football legend Lionel Messi is mourning the loss of one of the most influential figures in his life and career. His father and longtime representative, Jorge Messi, has passed away at the age of 68 following a prolonged illness.

Jorge breathed his last on Friday night, August 7, at a medical clinic in Rosario, Argentina, where he had been receiving treatment. His health had been a matter of concern for some time, though the family had chosen to keep details of his illness private.

Concerns surrounding Jorge's health intensified during the recently concluded FIFA World Cup. In June, false reports claiming that he had died began circulating online, forcing the Messi family to issue a statement confirming that Jorge w...