Lionel Messi has returned to his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, to pay his final respects to his father, Jorge Messi. The elder Messi, who had been battling a long-term illness, passed away at the age of 68. Following the news of his father’s death, the Argentine captain immediately departed the United States to be with his family.
Messi traveled from Fort Lauderdale and arrived in Rosario at 8:40 PM local time on Saturday. He was accompanied by his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their children. Upon landing, the football star was escorted from the airport by police security in a van. According to reports from the Argentine media outlet TyC Sports, the funeral will be a private, family-only affair held in the nearby town of Perez, where Jorge Messi will be laid to rest.
Despite the private nature of the service, a large crowd of fans has gathered near the funeral site to show their support for Messi during this difficult period. The presence of these supporters highlights the deep connection between the community and the football icon. Jorge Messi played a pivotal role in his son’s career, serving as his agent and constant source of support from the very beginning, making his passing a significant loss both personally and professionally for the athlete.
The news of Jorge Messi’s passing has drawn widespread condolences from across the football world. Numerous clubs and organizations, including Barcelona, Real Madrid, Rosario Central, and Newell’s Old Boys, have issued formal statements expressing their grief and solidarity with the Messi family during this time of mourning.
