As two greats near the end of their careers, can others reach the same heights? Or has the fragmentation of football made it more difficult?

Jorge Messi, a constant presence in the stands at his son Lionel’s matches, has died at age 68 after a long illness, according to a statement from the hospital that treated him.

Former Barcelona and PSG star Lionel Messi, who won the 2022 World Cup, hints at retirement following the death of his father.

Messi, 39, the league’s back-to-back MVP, has been Miami’s lone bright spot during the club’s four-match winless streak. Miami lost two of its three Leagues Cup matches, then was routed 4-1 by Nashville SC on Saturday. Wednesday’s result leaves Miami in second place in the Eastern Conference, seven points behind Nashville.

Jorge Messi, the father and longtime agent of Argentine soccer star Lionel Messi, died Saturday at the age of 68.

Inter Miami and Argentina forward Lionel Messi's father, Jorge Messi, died Saturday at a hospital in the central Argentina city of Rosario. He was 68.

Leo Messi’s Inter Miami suffered an unusual slip-up against the Philadelphia Union. The Florida side, second in the standings, dropped two points on their visit to Philadelphia in a tense match.Leo