Lionel Messi bids farewell to father and long-time agent Jorge Messi
Lionel Messi has returned to Argentina following the death of his father Jorge Messi, the man who guided the football superstar from his earliest days in Rosario to the summit of world football. Jorge Messi died aged 68 after illness, according to Argentine media reports.
The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner arrived in Rosario late on Saturday aboard a private flight from Miami accompanied by his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their children.
A private farewell ceremony attended by close family members and a small group of Argentina teammates was held on Sunday in Perez, a town near Rosario.
Supporters gathered outside El Prado cemetery, leaving flowers, handwritten messages and tributes for the Messi family. Signs reading “Stay strong, Leo” and “Stay strong, Messi family” were placed at the entrance alongside floral wreaths.
Fifteen-year-old fan Lucas Blanco said he travelled to show support for the Argentina captain during a painful moment. Other supporters arrived from different parts of the country to pay their respects.
Teammates rally around Messi
Argentina players publicly expressed support for their captain after the news emerged. Midfielder Leandro Paredes said teammates wanted to be close to Messi and his family during the difficult period.
Rodrigo De Paul, one of Messi’s closest friends and his Inter Miami teammate, reportedly travelled to Argentina, while he also dedicated a goal in Miami by revealing a number 10 shirt beneath his playing jersey.
Jorge Messi: The man who started it all
Jorge Messi was far more than a parent. He was Lionel Messi’s first coach, introducing him to football as a child on local pitches in Rosario. Working as a metalworker while coaching youth teams at the small club Grandoli, Jorge recognised his son’s talent early and played a decisive role in nurturing it.
When Barcelona invited the young Messi to Spain in 2000 so he could continue treatment for a growth hormone deficiency and join the club’s academy, Jorge made the life-changing decision to move with him to Catalonia.
Messi has previously spoken about the emotional hardship of that period, revealing that both father and son struggled privately while trying to appear strong for each other.
From Barcelona to Inter Miami
As Messi’s career developed, Jorge became his long-time agent and adviser, negotiating contracts throughout the forward’s spells with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami.
His influence extended beyond business matters, with many within football viewing him as one of the most important figures in Messi’s personal and professional life.
Recent concerns over Jorge Messi’s health
Jorge Messi’s absence from recent public events had fuelled speculation about his health. During the World Cup, the Messi family appealed for privacy amid reports that he was undergoing treatment.
After scoring against Algeria during the tournament, Messi appeared emotional and later acknowledged that he had been dealing with difficult circumstances away from football. Following Argentina’s defeat to Spain in the World Cup final, Messi returned to Rosario to spend time with his family.
Football World pays tribute
Tributes have poured in from across global football, including from Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter Miami and the Spanish Football Federation. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) announced a minute’s silence before matches across all age groups and instructed teams to wear black armbands during the week as a mark of respect.
For Lionel Messi, the loss is deeply personal. The man who first placed a ball at his feet and later helped navigate every major step of his career is no longer there, closing a chapter that began on the streets of Rosario and ultimately helped shape one of the greatest football stories ever told.
SportsLigue
