Lionel Messi bids farewell to father who guided his career

Lionel Messi bid farewell to his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away after a long battle with cancer at the age of 68. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner arrived in Argentina on a private flight from Miami on Saturday, accompanied by his wife Antonela Roccuzzo and their children. Since landing, Messi has remained in the company of his close family, seeking comfort in familiar surroundings during this deeply personal time. Scheduled for later Sunday, a private ceremony will take place at the El Prado cemetery in the town of Perez, near Rosario. The cemetery gates bore handwritten messages from fans expressing support, such as “Stay strong, Leo, we love you” and “Stay strong, Messi family.” A large floral wreath was placed at the site, symbolizing the public's affection for the legendary player and his family. The event will include a handful of teammates from the Argentine national squad, though details remain sparse. Messi’s teammates quickly rallied around their captain following the announcement of his father’s passing. Boca Juniors midfielder Leandro Paredes expressed hope that being present would provide emotional solace for Messi. “It will surely do him good for us to be there,” Paredes told reporters after his team’s match on Saturday. He noted that further discussions would determine whether the group would travel to Argentina immediately or wait until the following day. Midfielder Rodrigo de Paul, a close friend and Inter Miami teammate of Messi, is reportedly planning to visit Argentina. After scoring a goal in a 2-1 loss to Monterrey in Miami, de Paul honored his friend by revealing Messi’s number 10 jersey. This gesture underscored the deep bond between the two players and highlighted the sense of solidarity within the football community. The cause of death was not officially disclosed, although local media reported that Jorge Messi had been battling cancer. His absence from the recent World Cup had drawn attention, particularly given the rumors surrounding his health. During the tournament, Messi’s family requested that the media show “humanity,” reflecting their desire for privacy and compassion during a challenging period. In a moment of vulnerability, Messi himself acknowledged the emotional toll of dealing with a personal issue beyond the realm of sport. “I went through a few difficult, complicated days,” he said, adding that he was grateful for the support from his teammates and the broader football community. Following Argentina’s World Cup final defeat against Spain, Messi returned to Rosario to be with his family. This decision came after he had openly discussed the strain of managing his emotions during the competition. His return home marked a brief respite from the spotlight, allowing him to reconnect with loved ones during a time of profound grief. Jorge Messi, who served as both a mentor and agent throughout much of his son’s career, played a pivotal role in shaping Messi’s journey. As a metalworker in Rosario, 340 kilometers north of Buenos Aires, he managed youth teams at the local club Grandoli. It was here that he first introduced young Lionel to the game, encouraging him to play on vacant lots where neighborhood children gathered. This early exposure laid the foundation for Messi’s extraordinary talent. In 2000, Jorge made the life-changing decision to leave behind his job, his wife, and his other children to accompany Messi to Spain. The move allowed the young prodigy to join Barcelona’s youth academy, where he received treatment for a growth hormone deficiency. The transition was emotionally taxing for both father and son. “When we arrived in Barcelona, I used to lock myself in my room to cry alone, and my father did the same, either without me seeing him or thinking I didn’t see him. We pretended we were both fine, but we were struggling,” Messi recalled years later. Jorge continued to serve as a key figure in Messi’s professional life, negotiating landmark contracts for the player, including deals with Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami. His influence extended far beyond financial matters, offering guidance and unwavering support throughout Messi’s career. Since the news of Jorge’s passing, messages of condolence have flooded in from across the football world. Clubs Messi has represented, along with the Spanish Football Federation, have expressed their sorrow. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) has taken steps to honor his legacy, including ordering a minute of silence before matches and requiring black armbands to be worn at games across all age groups for the week. These gestures reflect the deep respect and admiration that the football community holds for both Jorge and his son.