Jorge Messi, the father of soccer great Lionel Messi, died Friday night at a clinic in Rosario, Argentina after a long battle with illness, according to multiple Argentine and Spanish outlets.

He was 68.

Jorge Messi’s battle with illness became a story during the World Cup that saw his son’s Argentina squad lose 1-0 to Spain in the final.

A cause of death was not immediately given.

Lionel Messi told former Argentina teammate Juan Pablo Sorin during an interview in June that his tearful displays of emotion during the tournament were about a family situation.

“The truth is that for the family more than anything,” Lionel Messi said. “Because, well, it’s always there, it’s always there. Now we are in a difficult moment. So many things came together, but obviously also because of them – a spectacular group that supports me – it makes me happy.”

A day later, the family released a statement revealing Jorge Messi was ill, was “under medical monitoring,” and his recovery was “evolving favorably” at the time after report be an Argentine TV host that he had died.

Jorge Messi played a key role in influencing the shape of his son’s early career and moving to Barcelona, and was a key confidant throughout his life.

Lionel Messi currently plays for Inter Miami FC in MLS.

He is survived by wife Cecila, sons Lionel, Rodrigo, and Matias, daughter Maria Sol, and numerous grandchildren.