Soccer superstar Lionel Messi had a close bond with his father Jorge, who has died in Argentina. (AP PHOTO)Soccer superstar Lionel Messi had a close bond with his father Jorge, who has died in Argentina. (AP PHOTO) Credit: AAPLionel Messi's father, Jorge, has died aged 68 at a medical clinic in the Argentine city of Rosario after a long illness. Lionel Messi spent time with his father after the World Cup in North America before rejoining his club Inter Miami, for whom he returned to action a week ago. Days later, the family issued a statement regarding Jorge's "health situation", informing the public that he was undergoing medical treatment.