Lionel Messi and Family Bid Farewell to Father Jorge in Private Rosario Ceremony

Lionel Messi and his family gathered for an intimate funeral service for his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68. The ceremony took place at the private El Prado cemetery on the outskirts of Rosario, Santa Fe province. Messi, his wife Antonela Roccuzzo, and their children arrived from the United States on Saturday night to join Messi's mother, Celia Cuccittini, and his siblings, Matías, Rodrigo, and María Sol.

The cemetery was closed to visitors from midday to ensure privacy for the grieving family. Some fans gathered outside the cemetery and at the Rosario airport, leaving messages of support such as "Fuerza Leo, te amamos" (Strength Leo, we love you). The mayor of Rosario, Pablo Javkin, extended condolences to the Messi family and confirmed the local government's support in securing the farewell ceremony.

Jorge Messi's passing led to tributes across the Argentine football community. The Abanderado Grandoli club, where Lionel Messi began his football journey at age 4, shared a photo of Jorge with young Lionel and other children, noting Jorge's role as a coach and his presence during the early steps of the football icon. The club expressed their embrace to Leo and gratitude to Jorge for being part of their history. The Association of Argentine Football (AFA) mandated a minute of silence before all professional and youth matches over the weekend, with players, coaches, and referees wearing black armbands in his honor.