Argentine football icon Lionel Messi attended the funeral of his father, Jorge Messi, at El Prado cemetery in the central Argentine city of Rosario on Sunday. The 68-year-old died on Saturday at a hospital in Rosario after undergoing treatment in recent months for an unspecified illness.
Messi and his family traveled from Miami on a private plane and were escorted by a police motorcade to the cemetery. A private family wake was held before the burial early on Sunday. The ceremony remained strictly private, with a heavy security presence ensuring the family’s privacy during the service. The burial took place early on Sunday morning, concluding a solemn weekend for the Messi family. El Prado cemetery, one of Rosario’s oldest, provided a historic backdrop for the final farewell.
Jorge Messi played a pivotal role in his son’s extraordinary career. He accompanied the young Lionel to Barcelona for his trial at La Masia, the club’s renowned youth academy, and later managed his contracts, business affairs and image rights. His guidance was instrumental in navigating Messi’s path from a promising talent in Rosario to a global superstar. The private wake allowed immediate family members to pay their final respects away from the public gaze, a rare moment of seclusion for a family accustomed to global scrutiny.
The funeral drew significant attention in Rosario, where Messi spent his early childhood. Local residents gathered near the cemetery despite the private nature of the proceedings, reflecting the deep connection between the city and its most famous son. Argentine media reported a substantial police deployment to manage the area and protect the family’s privacy.
Lionel Messi, who captained Argentina to World Cup glory in 2022, has not made a public statement following his father’s death. The family has requested privacy during their mourning period. No public memorial service has been announced.
Jorge Messi’s passing marks the end of a constant presence in his son’s life and career. As Lionel Messi continues his professional journey, the loss underscores the personal foundation behind one of football’s most celebrated figures.
