Lionel Messi Bids Final Farewell to Father Jorge Messi at Funeral

Lionel Messi has returned to his hometown of Rosario to say a final goodbye to his father, Jorge Messi, who passed away on Saturday, August 8, after receiving treatment at Sanatorio Centro de Rosario for complications linked to a prolonged illness.

Jorge Messi, a trusted adviser to his son, was laid to rest on Sunday, August 9, at El Prado Cemetery in Rosario, Argentina. The family farewell was a private burial attended by close family members, including Lionel Messi, his wife Antonela Roccuzzo, and their children, as well as his mother, Celia Cuccittini, and siblings Matías and Rodrigo.

Jorge Messi's Lasting Impact on Lionel Messi's Career

For much of Messi's career, Jorge was more than a father. He was a trusted adviser who helped guide his son from Rosario's streets to the very top of world football. Jorge played a central role in his son's remarkable football journey, serving as Messi's agent for many years and remaining one of his closest confidants.

The death of Jorge Messi has prompted an outpouring of sympathy from football fans around the world. Many supporters have used social media to ask the media to respect Messi's privacy as he mourns his father. Godwin Nii Armah Tagoe, a CAF-accredited journalist, noted that "For much of Messi's career, Jorge was more than a father. He was a trusted adviser who helped guide his son from Rosario's streets to the very top of world football."

Fans and Media Offer Support and Respect

As Messi and his family now mourn privately, tributes from supporters continue to underline the impact Jorge had on one of the greatest players in the history of the game. The Inter Miami star travelled from the United States to Argentina on Saturday night, August 8, aboard a private jet with his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their children.

Photographers from Reuters and AP captured distant images of Messi and his relatives outside the cemetery, offering a rare glimpse of the football icon during a deeply personal moment. The family farewell was kept away from the public, with cemetery authorities reportedly closing the grounds to visitors from midday to give the family space to grieve.

A Private Burial in Rosario

The burial of Jorge Messi took place on Sunday, August 9, at El Prado Cemetery in Rosario, Argentina. The private burial was attended by close family members, including Lionel Messi, his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their children, as well as his mother, Celia Cuccittini, and siblings Matías and Rodrigo.

Jorge Messi passed away at the age of 68, leaving behind a legacy that extends far beyond his professional relationship with his son. As the family mourns his loss, the football world continues to pay tribute to a man who played a central role in shaping one of the greatest careers in the history of the game.

Source: Yen ALL