Lionel Messi has returned to Argentina following the death of his father and longtime manager, Jorge Messi, at age 68.
Key facts
- •Jorge Messi died at age 68 on Friday at a clinic in Rosario.
- •A private funeral is scheduled for Sunday at El Prado cemetery in Perez.
- •Jorge Messi was a former metalworker who managed youth teams at the Grandoli club.
- •The Argentine Football Association has ordered a minute of silence and black armbands for all age groups this week.
- •Lionel Messi traveled to Argentina from Miami with his wife and children.
Argentina football captain Lionel Messi arrived in his home country on Saturday following the death of his father, Jorge Messi. Jorge, who served as his son's longtime manager and early coach, passed away at a clinic in Rosario on Friday at the age of 68. Reports indicate he had been battling cancer, though an official cause of death was not disclosed.
By the numbers
Family and Funeral Arrangements
Lionel Messi traveled to Argentina on a private flight from Miami, accompanied by his wife, Antonela Roccuzzo, and their children. A private funeral ceremony is scheduled for Sunday at the El Prado cemetery in the town of Perez, located near Rosario. Fans have gathered at the cemetery gates to leave floral wreaths and handwritten messages of support for the Messi family.
Support from Teammates
Members of the Argentine national squad have expressed their intent to support their captain during this time. Boca Juniors midfielder Leandro Paredes confirmed plans for teammates to attend the ceremony, while Inter Miami midfielder Rodrigo de Paul, a close friend of Messi, was also expected to travel to Argentina. Following a match on Saturday, De Paul paid tribute to his teammate by revealing a No. 10 jersey after scoring a goal.
Jorge Messi's Role in a Career
Jorge Messi was a central figure in his son's life, having introduced him to football at age 4 while managing youth teams at the Grandoli club in Rosario. In 2000, Jorge moved to Spain with a 13-year-old Lionel to support his treatment for a growth hormone deficiency and his development at Barcelona. Throughout his son's career, Jorge acted as his agent, negotiating contracts for his time at Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Inter Miami.
Official Tributes
The football community has offered condolences, including messages from the Spanish Football Federation and the clubs Messi has represented. The Argentine Football Association has mandated a minute of silence and the wearing of black armbands across all age groups for the coming week.
Timeline
- 2000Jorge Messi moved to Spain with his son to support his football career and medical treatment.
- FridayJorge Messi passed away at a clinic in Rosario.
- SaturdayLionel Messi arrived in Argentina on a private flight from Miami.
- SundayA private funeral ceremony is scheduled to take place at the El Prado cemetery.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Daily Sabah.
