Lionel Messi says goodbye to his father Jorge in an intimate ceremony in Rosario
Global soccer star Lionel Messi said his final goodbye to his father, Jorge Messi, during a private ceremony held this Sunday in the town of Pérez, near Rosario. Jorge Messi, who passed away on Saturday at the age of 68, was a fundamental figure in the personal and professional life of the Argentine national team captain, also serving as his agent for a large part of his sports career.
The event was carried out under a strict security protocol and absolute confidentiality, allowing the Messi family to experience their grief in private. Lionel arrived in the country on Saturday night on a private flight from the United States, accompanied by his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and his children, to reunite with their loved ones during this difficult time.
The legacy of a key figure
Although the family has not revealed official details about the passing, various reports indicate that Jorge Messi had been going through a complex health situation for months. His condition was a subject of constant monitoring, especially during his medical treatment, which coincided with the Argentine number 10’s participation in the World Cup.
I came yesterday too, at night, I made this sign for him because I must know how it feels to lose a loved one.
Lucas Blanco, 15-year-old follower present at the scene.Despite the magnitude of Lionel Messi’s figure, the cemetery surroundings maintained an atmosphere of respect and tranquility. Some followers traveled from different provinces to express their solidarity, while the footballer’s childhood home in Rosario was transformed into an improvised altar where fans have placed flowers, letters, and flags as a sign of support.
The world of football stands in solidarity
The news has generated a wave of condolences in the international sports community. Various institutions and organizations have paid tribute to the memory of Jorge Messi:
- The Argentine Football Association (AFA) decreed a minute of silence and the use of black armbands in all its tournaments, in addition to flying flags at half-mast until next Friday.
- FC Barcelona expressed its gratitude to Jorge Messi for the role played in the player’s development and growth during his golden era at the club.
- Inter Miami held an emotional tribute before their match against Monterrey, where players wore black armbands, and teammates like Rodrigo De Paul dedicated gestures of support to the Albiceleste captain throughout the day.
Lionel Messi remains in Rosario with his family, receiving support from the sports world following the irreparable loss of the person who was his guide and main support since his first steps in soccer.
