Lionel Messi holds private funeral for father Jorge in Rosario

Lionel Messi and his family bid a private farewell to his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away at 68. The intimate funeral took place at the El Prado cemetery in Rosario, Argentina, under a significant security operation. Messi, his wife Antonela Roccuzzo, and their children arrived via private jet from the United States to join his mother, Celia Cuccittini, and his siblings, Matías, Rodrigo, and María Sol.

Fans gathered outside the cemetery and at the airport, leaving messages of support for the football star. The mayor of Rosario offered the local government's assistance to ensure the family's privacy during the ceremony. In tribute to Jorge Messi, all professional and youth football matches across Argentina observed a moment of silence, with players, coaches, and referees wearing black armbands.

Abanderado Grandoli, the club where a young Lionel Messi began his football journey, shared a nostalgic photo of the Argentine idol with his father and teammates. The club acknowledged Jorge Messi's role in their history, noting he also coached there and supported Lionel's early steps. "We embrace you tightly, Leo. Thank you, Jorge, for being part of our history," the club stated.

Jorge Messi died early Saturday after being admitted to Sanatorio Centro in Rosario due to complications from a long illness.