Lionel Messi has returned to his hometown of Rosario, Argentina, following the death of his father and longtime adviser, Jorge Messi, at the age of 68.
Messi arrived in Argentina over the weekend and attended a private funeral ceremony in nearby Pérez. His wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their three children, Thiago, Mateo and Ciro, were also present, according to reports.
Jorge Messi died on Aug. 7 after a period of health problems. His family had announced in June that he was under medical observation and recovering, while specifically asking the public and media not to rely on rumors about his condition.
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Jorge played an important role in his son’s extraordinary career. He traveled with Lionel to Barcelona when Lionel was just 13 years old and later became his longtime representative, helping manage major aspects of the footballer’s professional career.
The funeral brought a deeply personal moment for a player who has spent much of his adult life in the global spotlight. Outside the cemetery, fans left flowers, football memorabilia and messages of support for the Messi family.
Support has also come from Messi’s football community. Inter Miami teammates and Argentine players have publicly expressed their condolences, with Rodrigo De Paul paying tribute to Messi after a recent match by revealing a No. 10 jersey beneath his own shirt.
The return to Rosario carries particular significance because the city is where Messi was born and spent his early childhood before moving to Spain as a teenager. His connection to the city has remained strong throughout his extraordinary career.
For now, the focus is on Messi and his family, who are mourning a father who played a major role in the journey that eventually made Lionel Messi one of football’s most celebrated figures. The private nature of the funeral also reflects the family’s earlier request for privacy during Jorge’s illness and final days.
