Messi bids farewell to his father in an intimate ceremony surrounded by fan support

Lionel Messi returned to his hometown of Rosario to attend an intimate funeral for his father, Jorge Messi, who died at the age of 68. The football superstar arrived Saturday night from Miami with his wife, Antonella Roccuzzo, and their three children, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. He immediately reunited with his mother, Celia Cuccittini, and his siblings Rodrigo, Matías, and María Sol.

The service for Jorge Messi, who had been hospitalized for two weeks in Rosario, took place in absolute privacy at a cemetery in Pérez, a town on the outskirts of the city. While some Argentine national team players playing for local clubs were expected, none were present. Officials from the Argentine Football Association (AFA) also did not attend, likely at the family's request for a discreet ceremony.

Security was tight around the cemetery, with local police prohibiting drones from flying over the area. A distant photograph captured Messi walking alone, head bowed. Other images showed Roccuzzo embracing other family members. Wreaths were sent by the AFA, the national team's coaching staff led by Lionel Scaloni, and Newell's Old Boys, Messi's childhood club.

Despite the private nature of the service, dozens of fans gathered outside the cemetery, leaving messages of support such as "Fuerza Leo" and "Te abrazo capitán." Neighbors from Messi's childhood home also displayed signs of remembrance. A Colombian fan expressed gratitude for an autograph on their arm. Messi had visited the cemetery briefly on Saturday night shortly after arriving from Miami.