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Jorge Messi, the father of football icon Lionel Messi, has passed away, prompting an outpouring of grief and condolences around the world. Tributes poured in from Argentina, Miami, Barcelona, and other places tied to Messi's storied career.

Reporter Lee Jeong-Chan has the details.

[Reporter]

Jorge Messi, who served as both Messi's father and agent, passed away at the age of 68 following a long illness. In his native Argentina, professional football league matches commenced amidst a solemn atmosphere of mourning.

Players from Tigre and River Plate wore black armbands and observed a moment of silence to honor the deceased, while fans joined in sharing the grief.

Rodrigo De Paul, often called Messi's bodyguard for both the national team and his club Inter Miami, also joined the tributes.

During a cup match against Monterrey played without Messi, De Paul scored the opening goal with a mid-range shot and then revealed a Messi jersey worn underneath his own uniform to send a message of comfort and support.

Messi departed Miami via a private jet and arrived in Rosario, where his father's wake is being held.

Jorge Messi was famously known for driving his son's move to Barcelona when Lionel was diagnosed with a growth hormone deficiency during his childhood. The Barcelona club also expressed its gratitude and condolences for the father's lifelong dedication.

Meanwhile, Son Heung-min's LAFC defeated Mexico's Toluca 1–0.

Marked closely by opposing defenders, Son failed to record a single shot before being substituted in the 23rd minute of the second half. However, with the match deadlocked at 0–0, Segura scored a dramatic late winner during stoppage time to lead the team to its second consecutive victory.

[Video Editing: Ha Seong-won]