Lionel Messi bids farewell to father Jorge at a private funeral in Argentina

Lionel Messi has held a private funeral for his father, Jorge Messi, in Argentina. The service took place at a cemetery in the town of Perez, near Rosario, on Sunday. The ceremony included a handful of members from the Argentine national team, reflecting the deep connection between Messi and his homeland. Messi, 39, arrived in Argentina via a private flight from Miami, accompanied by his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their children. His emotional journey began earlier in the week, as he dealt with personal grief following the passing of his father. Jorge Messi, 68, died on Friday at a clinic in Rosario after a prolonged illness. Local media initially reported the cause of death as cancer, though official confirmation was not released. His death came just weeks after he had been under scrutiny for his health during the FIFA World Cup in June. During the tournament, Messi revealed that he had been coping with a personal issue, which he described as "something unrelated to football." This led to speculation about his father’s condition, prompting the Messi family to ask the media for "humanity" during the event. Before the World Cup, Messi had returned to Rosario to be with his family, spending a few days in his hometown. His father had been a constant presence in his life, serving as both a mentor and a confidant. Jorge was not only his first coach but also his lifelong companion and agent. He had left behind his job as a metalworker in Rosario, his wife, and three other children to join Messi in Spain when the young prodigy was 13 years old. Their journey to Barcelona in 2000 marked a turning point in Messi’s career, setting the stage for his rise to stardom. Jorge Messi was known for his quiet strength and unwavering support. In interviews, Messi often credited his father for pushing him to excel. "My father helped me enormously. He is very critical of me. That made me always want to push myself further," Messi once said. Despite his role as an agent, Jorge remained a private figure, rarely giving interviews. However, he occasionally shared insights into his relationship with his son, expressing pride in his achievements and concern for his future. "The day Leo stops playing, I think a dream will shatter for me, and I won’t watch football anymore," he told a German magazine in 2013. Throughout his life, Jorge Messi was a central figure in Lionel’s success. He supported him through the early years at Barcelona, then later represented him at Paris Saint-Germain and Inter Miami. His influence extended beyond the pitch, shaping Messi’s approach to the game and his identity as a player. Even as Messi became one of the greatest athletes in history, his father remained a steady presence, offering guidance and encouragement whenever needed. News of Jorge’s passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from the football community. Clubs such as Real Madrid, Newell’s Old Boys, and the Spanish Football Federation extended their condolences. The Argentine Football Association (AFA) ordered a minute of silence before matches and requested that black armbands be worn at games for the week. Messages of sympathy also reached Messi from fellow players and fans, many of whom remembered his father’s role in shaping the legacy of one of the sport’s most iconic figures. As the funeral proceedings concluded, Messi’s focus shifted toward moving forward. He had recently rejoined Inter Miami after a brief break to mourn with his family. Scheduled to face Monterrey in the Leagues Cup group stage, Messi will carry the memories of his father into the upcoming matches. While the loss is deeply felt, the legacy of Jorge Messi lives on through the countless moments of brilliance and dedication that Lionel Messi has brought to the world of football.