Lionel Messi bade farewell to his father Jorge at a private funeral held on Sunday, August 9, in Rosario, Argentina. According to international media reports, the 38-year-old footballer returned urgently from the United States with his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their children to join his family.
The funeral for Jorge Messi, who died at age 68, took place at El Prado cemetery on the outskirts of Rosario. Authorities enforced strict security measures and restricted attendance to a small family circle.
Family gathering and public tributes
Lionel Messi was accompanied at the service by his mother Celia Cuccittini and his siblings Matias, Rodrigo, and Maria Sol. Cemetery officials closed the grounds to visitors starting Sunday afternoon to allow the family privacy away from cameras and the public.
Outside the cemetery grounds and at Rosario airport, fans gathered to show support for the captain of the Argentina national team. One message left by supporters wished strength to Leo and expressed their love for him.
Tributes across Argentine and American football
The news of Jorge Messi's death prompted widespread tributes throughout Argentine football. The Argentine Football Association ordered a minute of silence before matches on the weekend of August 8 and August 9, while players, coaches, and referees wore black armbands.
Inter Miami also honored Jorge Messi with a minute of silence before their game, displaying his name on stadium screens while players wore black armbands. Following a goal, Rodrigo De Paul displayed a jersey featuring Lionel Messi's number 10.
Life and career role of Jorge Messi
Jorge Messi served as his son's agent and closest advisor throughout his career. He guided Lionel Messi from his early playing days in Rosario and helped secure medical treatment required during his youth.
He traveled to Spain when Barcelona signed the 13-year-old prodigy, remaining an active manager of his business affairs until his death in Rosario following a long illness. He remained a constant presence from early pitches in Argentina to Lionel Messi's World Cup victory.
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