Lionel Messi bids farewell to father who guided his glittering career

Argentina's football icon, Lionel Messi, is mourning the loss of his father, Jorge Messi, who died at the age of 68 following a battle with cancer. Jorge Messi, who had been his son's agent and emotional anchor since childhood, passed away late Friday. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner arrived in Argentina via private flight from Miami on Saturday with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their children, and has been with his close family since.

A private ceremony is scheduled for Sunday at a cemetery in Perez, near Rosario. Fans have left heartfelt messages outside the El Prado cemetery, including "Stay strong, Leo, we love you" and "Stay strong, Messi family," alongside a large floral wreath. Teammates from the Argentine national squad have rallied around their captain, with Boca Juniors midfielder Leandro Paredes stating, "It will surely do him good for us to be there." Some teammates, like Rodrigo de Paul, are reportedly traveling to Argentina to offer support.

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It will surely do him good for us to be there.

Jorge Messi's health had been a subject of concern, with his absence from recent events noted. Lionel Messi had previously alluded to dealing with "a situation outside of sports," admitting to "a few difficult, complicated days" but expressing gratitude for his team's support. The cause of death was not officially disclosed, but local media reported his struggle with cancer.

Jorge Messi played a pivotal role throughout his son's illustrious career. Initially his son's first coach at the local club Grandoli, he left his job as a metalworker to accompany a young Lionel to Spain in 2000 when Barcelona invited the prodigy to continue treatment for a growth hormone deficiency. He settled in Spain with Lionel, leaving behind his wife and three other children, a testament to his dedication to his son's burgeoning football career.

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I went through a few difficult, complicated days, but I am grateful to the entire delegation and my teammates, because they stood by me, as always.