The Argentine captain traveled urgently from the United States with Antonela Roccuzzo and their children to say goodbye to Jorge Messi, who passed away at the age of 68
Lionel Messi returned to Rosario to say goodbye to his father, Jorge Messi, who died on Saturday at the age of 68 after battling a prolonged health issue. The captain of the Argentine National Team urgently traveled from the United States and this Sunday participated with his family in an intimate ceremony at the El Prado Cemetery, located in the town of Pérez, on the outskirts of the city.
The 10 arrived in Rosario on Saturday night accompanied by Antonela Roccuzzo and their three children, Thiago, Mateo, and Ciro. The footballer was in Miami when he received the news and, due to his father's passing, did not participate in the match of Inter Miami against Monterrey in the Leagues Cup.
Messi traveled urgently from the United States to say goodbye to his father
The farewell took place under a strong veil of secrecy and was reserved for family, friends, and close ones, according to the family's request. An important security operation was deployed around the cemetery to preserve the intimacy of the gathering.
Despite the privacy with which the ceremony was held, some fans approached the site to support the Argentine idol. With jerseys, banners, and various messages, they sent their condolences to Messi and his loved ones during the most painful moment.
Several people gathered near the cemetery to support Lionel and his family
Jorge Horacio Messi was a fundamental figure in both Lionel's personal life and professional career. In addition to accompanying him during his early years in Rosario, he was his representative for a significant part of his career and played an important role in decisions related to his career. He was also key during the family's move to Barcelona when Lionel was still a teenager.
The news generated numerous expressions of affection from the football world. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) called for a minute of silence and the wearing of black armbands in matches played during the day, while Newell's Old Boys, Barcelona, and other institutions publicly expressed their condolences to the family.
Jorge Messi was hospitalized at the Sanatorio Centro de Rosario and his passing was confirmed early Saturday morning. The family had requested discretion and respect in the weeks prior, without providing details about the illness he was facing.
With the private ceremony at El Prado, Lionel Messi was able to say goodbye to his father surrounded by his loved ones, in the same city where their story began and which, this time, welcomed him to support him in one of the most difficult moments of his life.
