New Delhi, Aug 8: Jorge Messi, the father of Argentina and Inter Miami star Lionel Messi, has died at the age of 68, according to multiple Argentine media outlets.

Jorge had been struggling with health issues for a while. Lionel Messi had mentioned that his family was going through a tough time, but he did not share specific details about his father’s condition.

After scoring against Algeria in June, Messi became visibly emotional and was asked about his tears. He replied, “Why was I crying? It had absolutely nothing to do with football. I have had a few difficult days.”

These comments sparked intense speculation about why he was so emotional, with many media outlets connecting it to Jorge’s health. Conflicting reports soon surfaced regarding his condition, prompting the Messi family to release a statement requesting privacy.

“The Messi family wishes to inform you that Jorge Messi is currently dealing with health problems. He is under medical supervision and is recovering well,” the statement said.

The family expressed concern about the rumors surrounding Jorge’s condition. They criticized how some reports handled what they called a private family matter.

“Given the reports, rumors, and speculation that have been circulating in recent hours, the family wishes to express its deep concern about the lack of sensitivity, respect, and discretion with which some people have treated a strictly private family matter.”

The statement concluded with a plea for privacy and thanked those who had supported the family during this challenging time.

“We sincerely appreciate the expressions of affection, respect, and concern we have received. We ask that the privacy, confidentiality, and personal space of Jorge—and that of his entire family—be respected throughout this process,” it read.

Jorge’s health issues also seemed to impact Lionel Messi’s schedule. At the end of July, the 39-year-old skipped the Major League Soccer (MLS) All-Star Game, with reports suggesting he traveled to be with his father.

Messi returned to play for Inter Miami in an MLS match a few days later, but these events highlighted the personal challenges he faced off the field.

Jorge had a significant role in Messi’s journey from a young player in Rosario to one of the sport’s greatest legends. He was a constant presence throughout his son’s career and acted as his agent.

New York, July 20: US President Donald Trump and FIFA chief Gianni Infantino faced jeers from spectators upon taking the field to present the World Cup trophy, following Spain’s victory in the final, before the US president attempted to gatecrash Spain’s victory party.

Trump arrived at the stadium on Marine One, with the president’s helicopter first flying over the stadium about 45 minutes before kick-off. He received “scattered boos” following the performance of the U.S. national anthem when Trump was briefly shown on the stadium’s video boards, according to The Guardian.

Trump was seated in a suite behind thick glass with Infantino. Other dignitaries and former players sat nearby, including Spain’s king, Felipe VI, Canada’s prime minister, Mark Carney, and Mexico’s president, Claudia Sheinbaum.

However, when the US president and Infantino came on to the field for the presentation after Spain clinched victory, boos rang out around the stadium and ambient crowd noise rose to 84 decibels when Trump entered the field.

The situation grew more awkward following the trophy presentation when Trump attempted to remain on the stage to join the Spanish squad’s celebrations.

In a video circulating all over social media, Spain player Rodri initially nudged the US President to step aside before Infantino stepped in to guide him toward the edge of the podium. Despite the intervention, Trump remained standing alongside the players during the team’s victory festivities.

Earlier, the summit clash descended into chaos immediately after the final whistle, with players exchanging punches and Argentina midfielder Leandro Paredes grabbing Spain’s Eric Garcia by the throat. Beyond the clash with Garcia, Paredes tackled Gavi to the ground, shoved him in the face, and seemed to kick a boot toward the 21-year-old Barcelona midfielder. At the same time, Molina appeared to swing a punch at Rodri, causing the Spanish captain to stop and angrily confront the Argentine defender.

New York, July 20: Substitute Ferran Torres said destiny was written for Spain to win the World Cup after his extra-time strike sealed a 1-0 victory over 10-man Argentina in the final.

Substitute Ferran Torres said destiny was written for Spain to win the World Cup after his extra-time strike sealed a 1-0 victory over 10-man Argentina in Sunday’s final.

Torres, who replaced Mikel Oyarzabal in the 62nd minute, swept home Nico Williams’ knockdown in the 106th minute to hand Spain its second World Cup title and first since 2010.

“I think in the end the goal came from 47 million people, not just those of us that are here,” said Torres, who hadn’t scored in the tournament before Sunday.

“Today destiny was written, it was made for us to win. We’re far from our people today but we tried to be as close as possible to them.”

The Barcelona forward admitted facing Lionel Messi’s Argentina in the final had been a daunting prospect, but said Spain never doubted its approach.

“Finals are hard. When you have Messi on the opposing team, you do get worried, but we always backed ourselves and tried to show our football and I think we managed to do it once again,” he said.

Torres had come under scrutiny during the tournament before his match-winning intervention on Sunday.

“It was a huge relief [to score],” he said. “I’ve been criticised throughout the whole tournament, but as I said before destiny was written,” he added.