Photos: Messi arrives Argentina to bid farewell to father Jorge

Argentine football icon Lionel Messi has returned to his homeland to bid a final farewell to his father, Jorge Messi, who died at the age of 68. Jorge Messi, a pivotal figure in his son's career, serving as his agent since childhood, succumbed to cancer after a prolonged illness.

The eight-time Ballon d'Or winner landed via a private flight from Miami late Saturday, accompanied by his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their children. He has since been surrounded by his close family. A private ceremony is scheduled to take place at a cemetery in Perez, near Rosario, on Sunday, with a few teammates from the Argentine national squad expected to attend.

Fans have expressed their solidarity, leaving heartfelt messages such as "Stay strong, Leo, we love you" and "Stay strong, Messi family" alongside a large floral wreath at the entrance to the El Prado cemetery in Perez.

Messi's teammates have rallied around him following the news of his father's passing. Boca Juniors midfielder Leandro Paredes stated that the team's presence would be beneficial for Messi. Inter Miami teammate Rodrigo de Paul, a close friend of the star, is also reportedly traveling to Argentina to offer support. De Paul had previously paid tribute to Messi by revealing his childhood idol's number 10 jersey after scoring a goal in a recent match.

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