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Messi returns home for father's funeral, recalls childhood struggles

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Outcome reported
  • Argentine football legend Lionel Messi returned to his hometown to attend his father's funeral.
  • His father, Jorge Messi, who was his agent and first coach, died at 68 after battling cancer.
  • Jorge Messi had sacrificed his life in Argentina to support his son's move to Barcelona at age 13.

Lionel Messi, the iconic Argentine footballer, returned to his homeland to bid farewell to his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68 after a battle with cancer. Jorge Messi, who served as his son's agent and first coach, was a pivotal figure throughout the football star's career.

When I first arrived in Barcelona, I locked myself in the room and cried secretly. My dad also cried. He would cry when he thought I wasn't looking, or when he thought I didn't notice. We both pretended everything was fine, but we were both struggling.

— Lionel MessiRecalling the difficult early days after moving to Spain with his father.

Jorge Messi, originally a metalworker and youth coach in Rosario, introduced a young Lionel to football. His life took a significant turn in 2000 when 13-year-old Lionel was invited to join Barcelona for treatment and training. Jorge Messi left his job and family in Argentina to accompany his son to Spain. Lionel Messi has recalled the difficult early days, sharing how both he and his father would secretly cry, pretending to be strong for each other.

As Messi's career progressed, his father managed his contracts, negotiating deals with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami. The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner traveled from Miami with his wife and children to be with family for the private funeral service held in Perez, near Rosario. Family and a few close teammates attended the ceremony.

We can be there for him, it must be very important for him. I need to talk to some teammates, whether we go now or tomorrow.

— Leandro ParedesExpressing support for Lionel Messi after a match.

Fans gathered outside the cemetery, leaving messages of support for Messi and his family. Tributes poured in from the football world, with the Argentine Football Association announcing a minute of silence before matches and players wearing black armbands. Teammates, including Rodrigo De Paul, have shown solidarity, with De Paul dedicating a goal to Messi by wearing his iconic No. 10 jersey.

He brought so much joy to this country, now it's our turn to give him something back, to comfort him.

— Lucas BlancoA fan outside the cemetery expressing solidarity with Messi.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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