Lionel Messi has returned to Argentina to pay tribute to his late father, Jorge Messi, who passed away on 7 August at the age of 68. The football star has travelled to his hometown of Rosario for the funeral, which is scheduled to take place in the nearby town of Pérez.
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Messi and his family arrived in Argentina on 8 August, with Messi accompanied by his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their three children, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. While many of Messi’s teammates from Inter Miami FC offered their condolences, the family requested privacy during this challenging time.
According to reports from various Argentine news outlets, including Infobae and La Nacion, Jorge Messi died at around 10 p.m. on Friday. His death follows a June announcement that he had been diagnosed with an undisclosed illness. At that time, the family stated that Jorge was under medical observation and progressing favourably, but did not provide specific details about his condition.
In a show of solidarity, the gates of the cemetery in Rosario were adorned with flowers, memorabilia, and heartfelt messages from fans. One message read, “Stay strong, Leo, we love you,” while another expressed support for the Messi family during their time of grief. Fifteen-year-old fan Lucas Blanco, who was present at the cemetery, reflected on his affection for the athlete, saying, “He has brought so much joy to this country, now it’s our turn to give a little back and offer him some comfort.”
Following the news of Jorge Messi’s passing, several players from Inter Miami FC extended their support to Lionel. Midfielder Rodrigo de Paul showed his solidarity by unveiling a shirt bearing Messi’s iconic number 10 during a match against Monterrey. Another player, Leandro Paredes, suggested that it would be beneficial for the team to visit Messi in Argentina, highlighting the camaraderie and compassion within the football community.
Jorge Messi played an instrumental role in his son’s career, first acting as his representative and later becoming his agent. His career began as a supervisor in a steel manufacturing plant, and he was pivotal in guiding young Lionel to Barcelona at the tender age of 13. Jorge’s involvement in Messi’s professional life was crucial as he assisted in negotiating numerous significant contracts throughout his son’s illustrious career.
The Messi family used the opportunity in June to emphasise their desire for privacy, asking the public and media to be responsible and compassionate during this distressing period. “Only his closest family members have accurate and reliable information about Jorge’s condition,” they stated, underscoring the importance of discerning between confirmed news and speculation.
As Messi navigates this personal loss, the love and support from fans and fellow athletes are evident. The deep respect for Jorge Messi and his contributions, both to his family and the world of football, have led many to reflect on his legacy and the impact he had on Lionel’s extraordinary journey in the sport.
His passing marks a significant moment for the Messi family, and for all those who have been touched by Jorge’s influence and support over the years. Lionel Messi’s return home during this time underscores the enduring bonds of family and the profound effect of loss in a public life.